Ngiyajola marks the debut release of Anil Ahuja, longtime Music Director of Trilogy Hong Kong and a respected figure in Asia’s electronic scene. Known for his Afro house-driven sets and global sensibility, Anil has shaped Hong Kong nightlife for years while performing across India, Korea, Macau, Thailand, Beijing, and the UK.
The EP also features Singapore’s rising talent Dune45, highlighting the growing wave of Afro and Organic house artists emerging from Asia.
Now stepping into his next chapter as a producer, Anil brings decades of intuition to his studio work while continuing to push the region’s sound forward.
EG: Hi Anil, welcome to EG! Where are you joining us from today?
Anil Ahuja: Thank you, EG. I’m joining you here from Hong Kong.
EG: You’ve spent years shaping nights at Trilogy Hong Kong. When did you feel the pull to move from curating the dance floor to creating your own music?
Anil Ahuja: Production has always been in my mind, but it truly clicked when I wanted not only to mix other DJs/producers’ tracks but create something bigger under my name. I felt it was essential to add my voice to the vibrant pulse of Hong Kong’s nightlife.
EG: And now that your debut is out in the world, what kind of story did you want this release to tell about who you are as an artist today?
Anil Ahuja: My debut release tells the story of my journey—melding Afro influences with the tech house vibe that’s been shaped by my experience. It reflects the vibrant energy of Hong Kong nightlife and showcases my growth as an artist.
EG: You’ve seen countless artists at Trilogy. From your perspective behind the booth, what separates a technically solid set from one that really moves people?
Anil Ahuja: A great set connects with the audience on an emotional level. It’s about the journey you take them on, the peaks and valleys of the set, and creating an atmosphere where they feel understood and uplifted.
EG: When you’re in the studio, how do you capture that emotional thread? Do you begin with a feeling, a sound, or pure experimentation?
Anil Ahuja: I usually start with a feeling, a certain emotion I want to convey. From there, I experiment with sounds until the music matches that feeling. It’s about capturing those fleeting moments of inspiration.
“I’m excited to see more diverse music styles being celebrated and embraced in the club scene.”
EG: This project brought you together with Dune45 and Gifted Fire. What have those collaborations opened up for you?
Anil Ahuja: Working with Dune45 and Gifted Fire has been incredibly enlightening. They’ve taught me the importance of deadlines and the immense amount of work that goes into the perfect sound.
EG: Your identity blends Asian roots with global influences. How do you find balance without losing yourself in the mix?
Anil Ahuja: I embrace my Asian roots while allowing global sounds to weave into my music. My identity is a tapestry of these experiences, and I find that authenticity shines through when I embrace all my influences.
EG: The club scene across Asia has been transforming fast. What shifts are you most excited to see unfold in the near future?
Anil Ahuja: I’m excited to see more diverse music styles being celebrated and embraced in the club scene. The emergence of new artists and genres will only enrich the nightlife experience.
EG: Creative blocks hit everyone. When that spark fades, what helps you reconnect with inspiration?
Anil Ahuja: When I hit a block, I often take a step back, revisit my favorite tracks, or explore new music. Sometimes a change of environment, like spending time outside of the studio, helps reignite that spark.
EG: Nightlife can be intense. Outside of the music world, what keeps you grounded and centered?
Anil Ahuja: I can tell that my comfort place is simply spending time with loved ones. Especially my awesome dog Yoko.
“Every night is a chance to learn and grow.”
EG: If you could go back to your very first night playing in Hong Kong, what would you tell that version of yourself?
Anil Ahuja: I would tell myself to embrace every moment and not be afraid to take risks. Every night is a chance to learn and grow.
EG: Before we wrap up, when someone plays your music far from Asia, what feeling do you hope stays with them after the last beat fades?
Anil Ahuja: I hope they feel a connection. A sense of joy and a reminder of the vibrant energy through music. I want them to feel they’ve experienced something special.
EG: Thanks for your time, Anil, and all the best with what’s coming.
Anil Ahuja: Thank you! I appreciate it, and I’m looking forward to sharing my music with everyone.
Click here to stream/buy Anil Ahuja’s debut EP ‘Ngiyajola’.
Follow Anil Ahuja: Instagram
