Fifty days before Paris’ famous Fete De La Musique festival, Sixtion, a French collective of DJs and creatives, returned to London for their final event pre-Fete. Held annually in the Summer Solstice, music lovers, vibe catchers, cherie’s and mec’s sing and dance their way through the Parisian arrondissements for a day that truly honours and embodies music and culture, from dusk until dawn. In preparation and celebration, Sixtion have hosted the kind of parties only legend spoke of. Music playing, drinks pouring, and hips swaying - all night long. And while their doors opened late on the 1st of May 2026, their Francophone Sound event at the Village Underground gave attendees the French prep class, and the FOMO-inducer they needed ahead of what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable summer. 

Known for their faire la fête différemment (party differently) mindset, Sixtion has been “setting the tone for all enthusiasts of African music and cultures” since 2019. When four artists came together in Paris with the desire to bring people together through musical discovery, celebration, and a collective energy, it became their identity and created the cultural experiences known today.

Previous events with artists like Shallipoppi, Guy2Bezbar, and Moliy have brought the diaspora together across continents, including Abidjan, Montreal, and Brooklyn. Partnerships with other collectives like Recess, Everyday People, and Sunday Abidjan have spread the wave of African artists and sounds globally, positioning the Sixtion as “a voice for rich and vibrant culture.”

With an £18 ticket off of DICE FM, a fly outfit, and the plan to party until the sun came up, it was time to head to Shoreditch. Advertised from 11 PM to 5 AM, the sharp change from addictive French rap to lilting Zouk styles pulsated through the walls of the venue as guests approached.

The lights dim and the bass blasts as the night officially begins with Lisa Keeks gracing the decks. Coaxing the crowd inside with a blend of modern must-knows and catchy classics, the lights illuminated smiling faces, filled cups, and shifting feet. 

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Branded stickers made their way around the venue, sticking on sweat-slicked skin and specialty drinks. Phones came out as everyone, from bar staff to photographers, sang along, moving in time to the multicoloured strobe lights and familiar melodies.

As the clock struck 3 a.m, Deejay Why reached the decks with old classics like Awilo Longomba’s Karolina. Subsequently, Mastaque’s ode to football prompted fans of any nation to chant Ramenez coupe à la maison and Coup de marteau. The night closed with DJ Nairaa’s smooth Afrobeat and R&B mixes to turn down the tempo as the night came to a close.

Sixtion’s final gift was the release of two new events for the coveted weekend: an opening soiree at the Secret Place on June 20th and a collaborative club night with Machine Paris and Sunday Abidjan on June 21st.

The next sets came in quick succession by co-founders Jojo SK and Daddy Chulo (DC), introduced by host Willz Wida Vibez. Joe Dwet File’s Rihanna continued the kompa dancing and activated waistlines from Congo to Clapham. Then a well-timed switch to Denden’s Padtal left the room breathless as claps filled the air and the crowd yelled: “On n’est pa fatigues (we aren’t tired).”

The doors closed at 5 AM, with hints of the sunrise greeting guests on their way home, and as Sixtion said goodbye to London before their biggest event of the year.

Cover & Photos by SIXTION x @nimble.photos 

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