In a city shaped by Caribbean influence, underground party collective Masisi takes to the airwaves to build a new home for Miami's Black, Queer & Trans artists, championing the city's diverse music scene on a global platform.
Masisi is a Black Queer Afro-Caribbean music collective founded by Akia Dorsainvil, also known as DJ Pressure Point. Rooted in Miami's cultural landscape, Masisi is dedicated to celebrating the rich lineages that connect Afro-Caribbean diasporas across the city. Through underground parties and community programming the collective creates space for joy, artistry and self-expression.
Masisi Radio Launch Party at Terrestrial Funk | Photo by @aphex.tw1nk
In collaboration with Studio Monkey Shoulder Akia and his team, filmmaker and Technical producer Juancy Matos and Art Director Maka, were able to purchase the equipment necessary to set up Masisi Radio – an independent online station for Miami's community of Black, Queer and Trans DJs and artists Conceived as a creative hub and platform for underrepresented voices, Masisi Radio highlights the diasporic Afro-Caribbean influences that continue to shape Miami's evolving musical identity.
Panel Discussion at Masisi Radio Launch | photo by @aphex.tw1nk
Broadcasting Weekly from The Garden, a community space and cafe in Little Haiti, the station supports and amplifies Masisi's ever-expanding community through live programming that weaves together music, conversation and cultural exploration.
Akia and Maka outside The Garden in Little Haiti | Photo by @magdalenamoursy
To launch the new station, Masisi organised a live broadcast event in the courtyard outside Terrestrial Funk record shop, where resident radio DJs played back-to-back sets and invited the community down for a signature Masisi-style celebration.
Resident DJ Lady Narcisse at the Masisi Radio Launch | Photo by @aphex.tw1nk
Masisi Radio Launch Party at Terrestrial Funk | Photo by @aphex.tw1nk
They also curated a series of Masisi Radio takeovers on Worldwide FM, featuring their resident DJs and eclectic sounds – ranging from techno and jersey club to jazz, disco and Haitian voodou rhythms – showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of the community behind the station.
"What a great opportunity to learn about the lesser-known but equally important cultural influences on Miami's music scene, using the power of radio to amplify and give voice to marginalised communities in the city" Gilles Peterson
Akia, Maka & the Studio Monkey Shoulder team at Masisi Radio Launch | Photo by @aphex.tw1nk
Watch this video here to experience Masisi's creative force and see why a radio platform was the essential next step in supporting their community and sharing their sound with the world.
This project is part of Studio Monkey Shoulder – a music initiative by Worldwide FM and Monkey Shoulder Whisky dedicated to empowering and celebrating innovate grassroots music communities around the world.