InterviewsScene
This Saturday, February 21, 2026, Italian duo MOEAIKE will make their Croatian debut at Lift Club in Zagreb, as part of the ongoing ATLANTIDA event series. Hailing from Taranto, MOEAIKE – composed of Roberto Dell’Osso and Gaetano Laterza – have steadily positioned themselves as one of Italy’s most compelling afro and melodic house exports. Since launching the project in 2019, the duo has developed a sound defined by percussive drive, warm melodic layering, and emotionally charged progression.
Their breakout single “Mala Fama”, released on MoBlack Records, surpassed 3 million streams and became a global dancefloor staple. The track gained early support from artists such as RÜFÜS DU SOL, who played and shared it during their Ibiza shows, as well as selectors including Keinemusik, Black Coffee, Shimza and Andrea Oliva. More recently, their release “Lift Me High” became a sought-after ID across European dancefloors before its official drop, reinforcing their reputation for crafting tracks that resonate beyond trends.
With performances spanning Ibiza, Mykonos, Berlin, Dubai, Buenos Aires and Lisbon — alongside recurring appearances at Volt Club Milano – MOEAIKE arrive in Zagreb at a defining moment in their career. Ahead of their first Croatian appearance, we spoke with the duo about their creative philosophy, their connection with audiences and what clubbers at Lift Club can expect this weekend.
Welcome to Croatia, this will be your first time performing here. How does it feel, and what kind of energy are you expecting from the Atlantida crowd in Lift Club, Zagreb?
“We’re really happy and curious. Playing in a new country for the first time is always special. We expect an open crowd, ready to let go and enjoy the music freely.”
As defined, your music carries a strong ritualistic and emotional depth. Is that something intuitive, or a conscious part of your creative process?
“It all starts naturally. We follow instinct and emotions first. Only later do we realize there’s also a deeper dimension, but it’s never something we try to force.”
Many people describe your sets as more than DJ performances — almost ceremonial experiences. How do you define what happens between you and the audience?
“For us it’s an exchange. We feel the energy from the dancefloor and react to what happens in the room. When everything connects, it becomes a shared experience.”
At what point does an idea become a MOEAIKE track — when do you feel it’s truly “alive”?
“When we stop overthinking, everything starts flowing naturally. That’s when we know the track really works.”
You perform all over the world. Do different places change the way you play, or do you carry the same inner ritual everywhere?
“Every place has its own energy. We always stay true to our sound, but we adapt to the crowd and the moment.”
Special question: “Mala Fama” has become a powerful dancefloor anthem. When you created it, did you sense how far it would travel?
“Not completely, but we immediately felt there was something new in it. The idea of using a Latin vocal over an Afro-based, club-oriented groove came very instinctively. After the first time we tested it on the dancefloor, the reaction was instant and we knew we had something strong. The early support from RÜFÜS DU SOL in Ibiza, and seeing them share the track on their Instagram, confirmed that we had created something special.”
For someone experiencing MOEAIKE live for the first time, what do you hope they take home after the show?
“A good feeling. Even just the sense of having experienced something real.”
Is there a sound or instrument that currently fascinates you but hasn’t yet appeared in your releases?
“We’re experimenting with more organic sounds and voices, but without rushing. When the time is right, they naturally find their place in the music.”
In a world that constantly demands fast output, how do you protect your creative spark?
“By taking our time. Sometimes you need to stop for a moment to stay inspired.”
Finally, do you have a message for Croatian clubbers?
“Come ready to dance, let go and enjoy the night. See you on the dancefloor.”
Local support will be provided by Atlantida residents Einfakinn, Turk and Viktor, DJs, promoters and community builders, and a limited number of tickets is still available via upad.hr platform.
