At IMS Ibiza, we met with hitmaker HUGEL, and, like everyone else, he once started from zero. Today, he’s become one of the biggest names in the electronic music scene.
The French DJ, producer and remixer gained worldwide recognition with his 2018 remix of “Bella Ciao”, which became a massive international success, and later helped popularise the Latin house movement with tracks like “Morenita”. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with artists such as David Guetta, Robin Schulz and J Balvin, while his 2024 hit “I Adore You” confirmed his position as one of the hottest names in dance music right now.
From playing local clubs in Marseille at the age of 16 to having his own residency at Hï Ibiza — Hugel’s journey is proof that consistency, passion and strong mindset can change everything.
Read the interview and get inspired.
Interview With Hugel:
So, I’m here at IMS with Hugel how are you?
I’m very good, thank you. How are you?
Do you still remember your early days in Ibiza? And why do you think you became so successful?
I definitely remember my early days, I think you were actually there. We even did an interview together back in 2018, right?
Back then, I started as an opener for David Guetta and Robin Schulz at places like Pacha Ibiza and Ushuaïa Ibiza. I completely fell in love with the island. I was living here at the time in a small apartment in Marina Botafoch, and year after year I kept coming back, playing more shows, releasing more music, and developing my own label and sound.
By 2024, Yann Pissenem from The Night League called me and asked if I wanted to have my own residency at Hï Ibiza. Of course, I said yes. Since then, we created Make The Girls Dance at Hï Ibiza, and it’s been an amazing success.
I think the reason people connected with my music is because, through my label, we created a sound that blends Afro, Latino and tribal influences. It became something unique, and I think that’s exactly why The Night League wanted this sound to have its own residency on the island.
AlphaTheta has a special programme here at IMS focused on mindset. Why do you think it’s important for DJs to stay mindful, and what do you personally do to protect your mindset?
Mindset is extremely important. This industry is tough. There’s a lot of competition, pressure and constant challenges. Not everybody can handle that easily.
You have to stay positive even when things are not going your way. You need to keep believing in yourself and keep moving forward. Honestly, mindset is probably the most important thing if you want a long-term career in music.
If you truly never give up, you always have a chance to succeed. But for that, you need a very strong mindset.
Last question, why should people come to your party at Hï Ibiza? Why should they experience Make The Girls Dance every Thursday?
First of all, because the music is incredibly danceable. The energy is different.
It’s also a very safe space for girls, and I think that’s one of the reasons why the crowd connects with it so much. It’s probably one of the favourite nights for girls on the island. The vibe is special, you really have to experience it for yourself.
Thank you so much.
