THELONIOUS

In the mid-90s, the iconic Yo! MTV Raps and a renowned Dutch hip-hop radio show ignited DJ Thelonious’ passion for music. As a young enthusiast, he immersed himself in the beats of The Pharcyde, KRS-One, A Tribe Called Quest, and Grand Puba, spinning these tracks at home. His insatiable appetite for new sounds soon led him to the eclectic mixes of legends like Gilles Peterson, Coldcut, and Jazzanova.

By the late 90s, DJ Thelonious made his debut at Rotterdam’s legendary Nighttown club, where he honed his craft, mastering the art of eclectic sets that kept diverse crowds craving more. His unique, soulful style quickly made him a staple in the Dutch DJ scene, landing him gigs at major festivals like Lowlands, North Sea Jazz, and Pitch, as well as at iconic venues like Canvas, Off Corso, Perron, and BIRD.

Even after 20 years behind the decks, DJ Thelonious’ hunger for fresh sounds remains strong. His sets are a vibrant fusion of Detroit, Chicago, and New York-inspired house, disco, broken beats, Afrobeats, boogie, Brazilian rhythms, and a touch of hip-hop and beats. Whether he’s lighting up a dancefloor or creating a laid-back lounge vibe, his quality is undeniable.

Beyond DJing, Thelonious has also made his mark as an event organizer, curating successful parties like 360 Degrees, All Eyes On, and GO BANG at BIRD in Rotterdam. These events have featured heavyweights like Theo Parrish, Motor City Drum Ensemble, Osunlade, Lefto, J Rocc, and Mr. Scruff.

With bookings at North Sea Jazz Festival, Dimensions Festival, and his own 360 Degrees and All Eyes On nights, DJ Thelonious continues to be a driving force in the music scene, always pushing the boundaries of sound.