SOUL OF SYDNEY Archives #448: MK-1 Presents Malika (2013)

A sonic story told through music, from one of our favourite local selectors, DJ MK-1.

Some mixes are simply collections of tracks. Others tell a story. MK-1 Presents Malika (2013) is one of those mixes. This classic mixtape captures Sydney crate digger, DJ and producer MK-1 doing what he does best: digging deep, connecting the dots and taking you somewhere unexpected through hip hop, funk, soul and deep goodness like only he can. MK-1 has been educating dancefloors since the early ’90s. He was one of the first DJs we went out and listened to back in the day, already making his mark across Sydney’s bars, clubs and block parties.

Over the years, we’ve caught him everywhere from Caterpillar Club and Dean & Nancy’s to the many Sydney venues where good music and serious selectors have found a home, he has also been on of the first DJ’s to help guide us going gigs and events over the years & a regaure crowd favoritre at SOUL OF SYDNEY/.

A proper crate digger, MK-1 has always had a knack for finding gems and connecting sounds that you might not expect to hear together. And that’s what makes revisiting an old mix like this so good.
Including music and samples from:

Soul II Soul • Steve Miller Band • KRS-One • MFSB • James Brown • John Pate • The Pointer Sisters • Dead Prez • Marlena Shaw • Erykah Badu • Prince • 1200 Techniques • Mirrah • Clara Hill & Georg Levin • Kool & The Gang • Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD) • Doris Day

And plenty more.

Hip Hop • Funk • Soul • Deep Grooves • Sydney Underground • Crate Digging • DJ Mix • Mixtape

Big love to our homey MK-1.

Follow MK-1 on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/zulumk1

LIsten on SOUNDCLOUD

On this SATURDAY, our family at FREEDOM SESSIONS will celebrate their 9th Birthday jam. If you haven’t been, it’s a dope MUSIC & DANCE jam session for lovers of real rhythms and one of our favorite events in Sydney’s music scene. Dancers, DJ’s & music heads come together in a unique space on the dancefloor & get down to everything from GARAGE, HOUSE, HIP HOP, AFROBEAT and more.

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2082247042371451/

Free / Family-friendly / Positive Vibes / All for the LOVE

Massive love to the crew for putting together such a lovely and welcoming event for music heads. This night is for dancers who love House music and Hip Hop, all under one roof, to Jam!

A Cypher is a circle where dancers show their creativity and love for the music. The DJ plays their favorite tunes, and people dance however they want within the Cypher – Freedom is the key! (New York has led the way for this scene, and we want to do the same in Sydney.)

Saturday 18 July 2026 at at The Lady Hampshire (Chippendale)

Starts at 6pm

DJs Diola, Global Rations, Hebenon, Lady Chika, Pinz

On 18th July 2017, the team hosted their first jam in our hood of Redfern at Hustle & Flow, which became a monthly party with vibes from resident DJs back then, @willbnice and @jerry.soulquest & grew into a lovely movement & space where dancers from all sides of scene come together away from studios, performance & training spaces to connect in an open and organic dancefloor session. It has been so lovely to see this movement come together the years & enrich our cities cultural landscape.

A safe space for house lovers, dancers, and creatives. Come and be free at one of our favorite events.

Check out some of the amazing memories over the years