French DJ and producer HUGEL (Florent Hugel) continues to carve out a unique place in the international electronic music scene by merging Afro House, Latin House, and LatinTech influences into his sound, while also earning recognition in global DJ rankings.
🎛 The Sound & Influence: Afro House and LatinTech Roots
- HUGEL is known for weaving Latin rhythms, tribal percussion, and Afro House textures into his productions, creating music that feels both danceable and deeply atmospheric.
- His tracks often move beyond conventional house by incorporating syncopated polyrhythms, melodic vocals, and world music textures — a style that fits naturally into LatinTech / AfroHouse sets.
- His label, Make The Girls Dance Records, supports artists exploring these hybrid styles, reinforcing his role not just as a DJ but a curator of emerging sonic trends. — reference BeatPortal artist page
- Songs like “I Adore You” (with Topic & Arash) showcase his ability to bring afro / latin grooves into more melodic, mainstream contexts. — reference Wikipedia “I Adore You”
- Because of his genre-melting approach, HUGEL’s sound finds affinity with DJs and crowds across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and beyond — making him an artist bridging scenes and cultures.
đź“‹ Track Record & Career Highlights
- Born in 1987 in Marseille, France, HUGEL began gaining attention after his remix of “Bella Ciao” in 2018, which became a European summer hit and earned platinum certifications. — reference Wikipedia HUGEL
- His breakthrough track “Morenita” further entrenched his identity within Latin-infused house, earning strong support from DJs and playlists globally. — reference Wikipedia HUGEL
- Over time, he expanded his creative palette into deeper, more atmospheric compositions while retaining his signature rhythmic flair. — reference IAMGhostProducer piece
- On Beatport, HUGEL’s tracks (“Andalucia,” “La Verdolaga,” “CORAÇAO”) have charted in the Top 100 “Today” playlists, signaling consistent DJ support. — reference BeatPortal article
- His style is categorized broadly as house / Latin house / deep house, with influences of tech house and Afro House. — reference Play House “What Genre Is HUGEL” article
🏆 Ranking & Entry into DJ Lists
- HUGEL has been mentioned in the Top 100 DJs polls and discussions, though he has expressed that while he ranks highly in 1001Tracklists’ Top 101 charts, he hasn’t officially broken into DJ Mag’s Top 100 yet by his own admission. — reference social posts by HUGEL (X)
- On social platforms, HUGEL noted: “So I’m #5 Top 100 DJs with @1001tracklists but I’m not even in the Top 100 @DJMag lol I see you.” This highlights his relative success in one ranking and the challenge of crossing over into others. — reference HUGEL on X
- In DJ Mag’s Top 100 lists, HUGEL has sometimes appeared in polls of rising acts or “need to watch” lists, reflecting that his growing recognition is being tracked by media and fans. — reference EDMTunes voting articles
🧠What This Means & What to Watch
- Genre fusion as a differentiator: HUGEL’s ability to combine Afro rhythms with LatinTech and melodic elements gives him a distinctive edge in a crowded market.
- Momentum towards Top 100: His trajectory suggests that it’s only a matter of time until he enters DJ Mag’s Top 100 proper — his chart success, high-profile collaborations, and fan base growth all point that way.
- Platforming & exposure: More performances at festivals, residencies, and streaming placements will solidify his standing.
- Label influence: By nurturing artists under his label, HUGEL positions himself not just as an artist but a tastemaker shaping future trends in Afro / Latin electronic music.
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