Nawfel chats musical inspirations

‍ENSOULED proudly presents its next release: Cosmos EP, a soul-infused, deeply textured journey through the evolving sonic universe of Casablanca native, Nawfel. With a rich background in Hip-Hop culture and a profound sense of musicality rooted in movement and rhythm, Nawfel delivers an elegant and versatile three-tracksuit that bridges organic groove and refined underground energy.

Once a foundational figure in the Moroccan and MENA break dance scenes, Nawfel’s artistic story began with motion—and has since evolved into sound. Having spent years shaping his identity behind the turntables through turntablism, genre exploration, and an obsession with musical storytelling, Cosmos EP marks a bold new chapter in his evolution as a producer.

Off the back of his latest EP, Nawfel sat down with us to discuss a few of his musical inspirations…

Lars Bartkuhn - Passion Dance Orchestra - Worlds (Theme 2)

One of my all-time favorite records. I discovered this track back when I first started house dancing and digging deeper into the culture. It was one of those songs that made me truly fall in love with house music. The fusion of elements, the storytelling, the musicianship,  it’s all unmatched. It carries this cosmic sense of purpose that goes beyond the dance floor. I just love it.

‍Dj Qu feat. Peven Everett & Josh Milan - The Way

‍DJ Qu is easily in my top 5 favorite producers of all time. Listening to his music has deeply influenced the way I work and taught me how to think outside the box. Especially on this track,  the way he blends his textured, raw, and rhythmic sounds with the rich, emotive vocals of Peven Everett and the lush keyboard harmonics from Josh Milan, makes this cut a perfect song for me. Raw, deep, and soulful.

Dabrye - Smoking The Edge

‍The first time I heard this track was at a popping battle, and I remember thinking :  yo, what’s going on?! Haha. Dabrye is truly an avant-garde producer. He blends the classic boom bap feel of hip-hop with a futuristic sound so seamlessly, it doesn’t feel out of place at all. That balance, staying rooted while pushing boundaries,  is something I really strive for in my own productions.‍

Afefe Iku feat Osunlade - Bodydrummin

Being African from Morocco, I’ve always had a deep connection with percussion. This track and Afefe’s work in general represents, to me, the perfect fusion of raw tradition and modern sound design. It feels both rooted and futuristic. It’s a spiritual experience that, in my opinion, captures the true essence of what Afro House is and what it’s meant to be. Truly inspiring.

‍Ron Trent - Sometimes I Feel Like

A timeless Deep House staple that still hits like it’s the ’90s. I remember the first time I played this track at a small party, and the way it made me and the crowd feel was pure magic. We instantly felt connected. That’s when I truly began to understand what house music is all about. Ron Trent’s productions are nothing short of masterclasses.

‍Buy/Stream 'Cosmos EP' HERE