Richard Akingbehin

Richard Akingbehin is a British-Nigerian DJ and curator living in Berlin. His sets draw from the sonic innovations of Jamaican and UK sound system culture, using the heavy basslines and spatial effects of dub to guide his blend of house and techno. This creates an introspective spirit on the dancefloor, where a rolling groove, warm atmospherics, and steady pace lock you in. This approach has brought Akingbehin to some of dance music's most exciting stages, including Dekmantel, De School, Draaimolen, GALA, Organik, Panorama Bar, and Waking Life.

By day, Akingbehin is co-founder of the Refuge Worldwide radio station. Since 2021, the platform has helped shape Berlin’s music and arts scene with its focus on community building and diverse programming. Through Refuge, Akingbehin has worked as the Music Director for the Special Olympics World Games, as well as curating cultural programmes for some of Europe’s leading clubs, festivals, conferences, and galleries.

Akingbehin has also been running the Kynant Records label since 2015, releasing various styles of deep techno from artists like Cio d’Or, Donato Dozzy, Terrence Dixon, and VRIL. These days, its output is firmly focused on the dubby style, with a landmark solo album from legendary Rhythm & Sound vocalist Paul St Hilaire aka Tikiman—his first in almost 20 years—landing in 2023. Akingbehin and Tikiman are now close collaborators, both for the label and for duo performances.