Over the past 30 years, Belgium’s rich electronic music scene has truly flourished and become one of the best in the world. Home to iconic nightclubs from Fuse to Café d’Anvers, this monumental history of what we know about nightlife today is brought together in a new book. Smos & Baby Bee: Party flyers, etc. Relive a unique era of Belgian nightlife culture. (1993–2010).
Written by Koen Galle, this book explores iconic Belgian raves, guided by the story of pioneering DJ duo Smos & Baby Bee. A formidable duo in Belgian nightlife then and now, the pair dominated dance floors until Smos’ tragic passing. In an exclusive interview with Bee, Galle laid the groundwork for this release with a vast archive of materials provided by Bee, including photos, flyers, and more.
Gallé described the duo as “music obsessed”, adding: “They were among the first generation of DJs to embrace the new style of music that flooded the nightlife at a time when electronic music was a real hit and creating hype in clubs and record shops. was a really good DJ, who perfectly understood the dynamics of the dancefloor and was known to keep records on for long nights.”
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Smos passed away three years ago, but no public memorial service was held due to the pandemic. But the book shares the stories of his two Belgian DJ pioneers, keeping their legacy alive. Galle says it may have been an “intense” process for Baby Bee, as she spent a lot of time reflecting on her relationship with Smos for the book.
Goal says: “This book may help her settle some things and breathe new life into an old relationship. In our long conversations, she talks about their lives and careers, both good and bad.” She showed me vulnerability and opened up to me, a woman of her age whose life and creativity are not as accurately documented on the internet as the major players in today’s scene. For people, looking back and rebuilding their identities is truly an emotional feat, and I am so grateful that she wanted to share this with me.”
Interviews in this new book include DJs and friends from Smos & Baby Bee, including D’Julz, Jack De Marseille, USA Import’s Frie Verhelst, Fuse’s DJ Pierre and Geoffroy Mugwump (Red D) .
In a moving testimony in the book, dance music legend Mr. G recalls meeting Smos and Baby Bee for the first time at Café d’Anvers. They were so ahead of the Baby Bee art side. I have a lot of souvenirs at home, and I still occasionally remember the things they sent me, reminding me of the wonderful moments in my life. To be fair, I miss them both. ”
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Check out some images from Baby Bee’s archive. Smos & Baby Bee: Party flyers, etc. Relive a unique era of Belgian nightlife culture. (1993–2010) under.get a copy of your book here.
