Yeki, Wekena and Beyond: Exploring Hanna Haïs’ Expanding Influence on the Sound of Modern Afro-Tech
Some artists follow trends; others shape them. Hanna Haïs belongs to the latter. A French artist with North African roots, she has built a career that bridges continents, weaving together soulful vocals, hypnotic beats, and the rhythms of Afro House and Afro-Tech.
Her journey has taken her from Parisian studios to stages across Africa, Europe, the Americas and beyond, carving out a sound that is both authentic and timeless. Her path in music has been anything but linear. Starting as a singer and songwriter, she later embraced DJing and production, gradually mastering each step until her name became synonymous with Afro-inspired electronic music.
Along the way, she worked with legends like Larry Heard (Mr. Fingers), Matthias Heilbronn, Ralf GUM, KingDonna, Saint Evo, Dr Feel, Thandi Draai, Tabia, Djeff, Oscar P, Leo Guardo, Boddhi Satva, and Kevin Yost, while appearing on influential labels such as Defected and MoBlack, and starting her own label: Donkela. In an interview with Nazen Carneiro, Hanna Haïs discusses her career, her releases in Afro Tech, and her audience — which is predominantly based in African and Middle Eastern countries. She also talks about her performances, which bring a distinctive flavour to her sound. In an interview with Nazen Carneiro, Hanna Haïs discusses her career, her releases in Afro Tech, and her audience — which is predominantly based in African and Middle Eastern countries. She also talks about her performances, which bring a distinctive flavour to her sound.
Central to Hanna’s artistry is her relationship with African music. From Angola to Nigeria, Senegal to Morocco, she has performed across the continent, letting local traditions enrich her sets and productions. These encounters shaped her unique approach: blending organic percussion, emotive vocals, and deep, electronic textures. Recent gigs in Dubai, South Africa, Morocco and France underline her ability to connect with diverse audiences, reaffirming her global relevance.
Her latest release, “Yeki” – a collaboration with South African vocalists and songwriters Thandi Draai and Nana Atta – has become another milestone. With its layered Afro House groove and spiritual energy, the track has resonated worldwide, earning airplay on stations such as Atlântida FM and placements in major Spotify playlists including AFRO HOUSE 2025, Weekend Mood, Orgánica Legacy, and Deeply Organic. “Yeki” embodies what Hanna Haïs does best: fusing different cultures and energies into music that speaks across borders.
Supported by figures like Black Coffee, Culoe De Song, Enoo Napa, DJ Merlon, Vanco and with memorable sets in Luanda, Lagos, and Paris, Hanna Haïs continues to expand the language of Afro House. Her music doesn’t imitate – it lives in the spaces where tradition and innovation meet.
“Yeki” has been making waves globally. What does this track mean to you?
“It’s a special one. Working with Thandi Draai and Nana Atta brought new colours into my sound. The track carries a deep Afro groove and vocals that feel almost spiritual. For me, it’s about connection between cultures, between artists, and with the audience.”
You’ve also recently released “Wekena” with Dante T. and Mario Da Ragnio. How was that process?
“Wekena is darker and more hypnotic, built on basslines, layered percussion and atmospheric vocals. Part of the inspiration came from The Cure’s A Forest. It’s a track for intense club moments.”
Looking back, how did your early collaboration with Larry Heard shape your career?
“It was a milestone. He produced one of my songs and delivered two amazing versions. That success opened doors, leading me to record my first album with among Matthias Heilbronn among other producers and even work in François Kevorkian’s legendary studio in NY. It showed me what was possible.”
African elements are central to your sound. How do you integrate them into electronic music?
“I don’t force it. It’s natural, because it’s the music I love. Authenticity is everything—you can always tell when it’s real.”
Where do you see Afro House and Afro-Tech heading in the future?
“They’re going to keep growing. Africa is the core – places like Morocco are already massive, and Central Africa has great potential. India is also becoming an exciting scene. The global appetite for these sounds is just beginning.”
You’ve been touring while producing and DJing. How do you keep the balance?
“It’s not always easy, but organisation helps. I dedicate time to the studio when I’m not travelling, and when I’m on stage, I focus only on the crowd. Sometimes I take a step back to recharge, but music always pulls me forward.”
