DJ Cliffy

DJ Cliffy is a Lisbon-based DJ, producer, and cultural curator celebrated for his pioneering work in bringing Brazilian and global sounds to international audiences. Named by Time Out magazine as the driving force behind two of London’s most influential club nights—Batmacumba and Future World Funk—he has played a central role in shaping the global beats movement. He is one half of the production duo Sugarloaf Gangsters, a long-time contributor to Straight No Chaser magazine, and holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy. Beyond his own projects, Cliffy has tour-managed legendary Brazilian artists including Marcos Valle and Azymuth, and has written liner notes for acclaimed releases by Os Ipanemas, Azymuth, and Marcos Valle. Batmacumba, Cliffy’s flagship monthly event at London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), ran for an impressive 12 years. More than just a club night, it was a cultural happening—showcasing Brazilian music, film, and art—that led to international residencies and collaborations with leading venues such as the Barbican and Southbank Centre. With Future World Funk, Cliffy and Russ Jones redefined the landscape of global club culture. What began as a night at the Notting Hill Arts Club evolved into a groundbreaking compilation series on Ocho Records, selling over 50,000 copies. Rejecting Eurocentric ideas of “world music,” Future World Funk championed a more inclusive and democratic vision of global beats, earning Cliffy appearances at major festivals including Glastonbury, WOMAD, and Sfinks. Cliffy is also the curator behind the influential Black Rio album series on Strut Records, recognized as an essential retrospective of 1970s Brazilian soul and funk.