RAJA Performs ‘Animal’ Live From the Tanzanian Serengeti

RAJA is an Ukraine-born and Berlin-based DJ/producer whose distinct sound combines the influences of Afro House, Melodic Techno, and Ethnic Techno. The main goals of the project are outlined in RAJA’s SoundCloud Bio: “to uplift the human spirit and evoke profound positive energy with deep spiritual meaning.” My attention was drawn to RAJA’s work when a recommended Instagram post displayed a video of him performing his new release, “Animal,” live on the Serengeti, complete with a microphone and full DJ setup.

In the video, RAJA is surrounded by wild giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles all going about their day. Even roaming with lionesses at one point. This live performance shifts between shots of RAJA working his magic and the animals thriving in their environment, like a Technofied version of Planet Earth. Incredible drone shots capture the beauty and sheer scale of the grassland environment. RAJA has a consistent grin and dances throughout the performance, fully taking in the incredible scenery and vibing with his new animal friends! He is a polite guest. Keeping his distance while (likely) exposing these wild creatures to Techno for the first time! This is one of the coolest videos I have ever seen. A genius way to introduce new listeners to your work.

This WILD performance of “Animal” evokes a strong reaction in me every time. Matching RAJA’s constant smile and briefly tearing up at the sheer wonder before me. It is refreshing to see a piece like this in the Social Media Era. No tricks, gimmicks, or clickbait. A genuine idea and a fantastic performance. What will RAJA bring us next?!

“Animal” begins with intense howling, atmospheric birds, and a running techno synth/drum loop. A sweeping effect leads to an “animal, animal, animal, animal” vocal chant that repeats over the loop. The loop become spongier as the animal effects continue. Majestic keys bridge us into the next track section, as the techno drumbeat becomes more intense. Claps and splashes provide percussive breaks in the beat. Adding even more of an atmospheric feel to things. Shooting stars scatter the skies before the track introduces a pleasant, animalistic clicking to the mix. Aquatic bubbles rise and fall before “Animal” returns us to the previous loop. Substituting techno drums patterns for House-inspired hi hats. The hi hats work well with the techno loop. RAJA’s soaring vocals then introduce themselves. Accompanied by chirping birds and ferocious lion growls and roars. An exalted stringed section compliments the vocals, while steady drums make up the rhythmic foundation of this track section. RAJA’s chants grow more intense before freeform plasma-like effects sputter and spiral. Bringing us back to TECHNO. Cerebral buzzes and metallic whooshes transform into a gorgeous bridge.

RAJA’s vocals make a grand return as “Animal” becomes a tech-house wonderland. One last instance of chanting occurs before the aquatic bubbles, loop, and animal sounds draw things to a close. “Animal” begins with intense howling, atmospheric birds, and a running techno synth/drum loop. A sweeping effect leads to an “animal, animal, animal, animal” vocal chant that repeats over the loop. The loop become spongier as the animal effects continue. Majestic keys bridge us into the next track section, as the techno drumbeat becomes more intense. Claps and splashes provide percussive breaks in the beat. Adding even more of an atmospheric feel to things. Shooting stars scatter the skies before the track introduces a pleasant, animalistic clicking to the mix. Aquatic bubbles rise and fall before “Animal” returns us to the previous loop. Substituting techno drums patterns for House-inspired hi hats. The hi hats work well with the techno loop.

RAJA’s soaring vocals then introduce themselves. Accompanied by chirping birds and ferocious lion growls and roars. An exalted stringed section compliments the vocals, while steady drums make up the rhythmic foundation of this track section. RAJA’s chants grow more intense before freeform plasma-like effects sputter and spiral. Bringing us back to TECHNO. Cerebral buzzes and metallic whooshes transform into a gorgeous bridge. RAJA’s vocals make a grand return as “Animal” becomes a techno and house wonderland. One last instance of chanting occurs before the aquatic bubbles, loop, and animal sounds draw things to a close.

This wild performance of “Animal” is one of my top musical highlights of 2024. I sent the video to several family members who are not very familiar with electronic music, but encourage my passion for it. They were unanimously BLOWN AWAY by the Techno Safari that RAJA took that fateful day. Listen to the track above and click the YouTube link below to witness the full experience for yourselves. ENJOY!

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08kQWE5QTp4

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