Germany

Berlin

Underground

Culture

Music 

Kurtis Wells

Kurtis Wells is a producer and solo artist based in Berlin, who released his debut EP, ‘Ricardo’ in 2021. Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, he left the Caribbean to kick off his music career internationally. After living in the States, Kurtis set out to find a new vibe and landed in Berlin. “I think Germany made it very possible to migrate and have some sort of life out of the Caribbean, when I got here I settled into the whole European lifestyle, and I never moved.”

Berlin is home to artists, world-famous for its techno, club culture and gritty underground scene that values ‘being authentic to yourself”. With his Caribbean background and ”worldwide perspective”, and Berlin’s melting pot of cultures, the city became a place to find community and cater to a fan base outside of the mainstream. “I met a lot of my Caribbean, Trinidad people walking in the parks, hearing them talking and cussing like how we cuss back home.”

, paying homage to the islands in the Caribbean and merging inspiration of the French Riviera. This new series of guides looks at the lives, art and communities of Caribbean people living in Europe. Read Kurtis Wells’ guide to finding proper oxtail, Caribbean art and underground nightlife in Germany’s capital city.

You tend to bump into people who miss home as much as I miss home, or people looking for a taste of the Caribbean, so it’s not very hard to connect. For me, this is the most authentic Jamaican/Caribbean restaurant, they don’t serve food without it being spicy, and most Germans they like food without spice, which is totally fine. I had a chat with the owner and he told me he doesn't like cooking without spices because you come for the most authentic meal. I’d recommend the oxtail.

It’s an African spot with multiple restaurants and bars, it’s pretty cool you can just hang out for hours, you feel like you’re literally not in Berlin. YAAM is centred around Black people. They curate this vibe where people can come and perform and sell their art, this is one spot where I’ve definitely felt connected to culture.

They make a lot of Caribbean-style drinks and cocktails it’s cool to pop in there if you don’t just want the average cocktail, and you want a rum punch.

The Caribbean Art Collection is an incredible experience. From being greeted with wine by the owners to hearing stories about each piece and its origins, my visit was nothing short of special. Being able to unfold what inspired all the different pieces collected and donated by artists all over the Caribbean really gives perspective on how culture can be exported through art.

In my opinion, Badehaus really highlights a lot of the underground scene surrounding upcoming talent in Berlin. I’ve discovered great acts here. It’s perfect for a spontaneous Saturday night.

Badehaus

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