Meet Paula Juana: A DJ, curator and creative force behind some of the most exciting sounds in global music.
Hailing from Colombia, Paula’s sets blend tropical rhythms, Afrobeat, and house with influences from across the world, creating an electrifying journey for the dance floor. As the Creative Director of Soundway Records, Paula has spent years shaping the future of global music, connecting cultures and elevating voices from all corners of the globe. Ahead of her upcoming set at The Standard Ibiza, we caught up with her to talk about her roots, her music, and what’s coming next.
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How would you describe the energy you'll bring to The Standard, Ibiza?
Been originally from Colombia, I am always strongly drawn to exploring Latin Tropical and Carvinal grooves via Cumbia, Salsa and Champeta. There is a new rhythm that I am exploring and working with called Ritmo Exótico. It's a rhythm from the Pacific of Colombia which is Afro-Colombia, so expect loads of upbeat, carnival energy towards the end of the night.
Also chilled Caribbean rhythms, Afro-beat, Highlife to start the night, Zouk, Soukous, Kwaito, Tribal, Balearic, Afro/Latin and Arabic influenced House as the night continues.
How has Soundway Records shaped your path in music?
Soundway has shaped my path in music massively by introducing me to amazing African music and music from all over the world — a discovery process that I could have not done by myself… Soundway has guided my taste thanks to an amazing A&R team behind it. It has shown me a way to give a platform to music that has been underrepresented. This encourages me to find non-obvious music that can have a magical space on the dancefloor also. It has developed in me the capacity to open up to music from all over the world from all eras and all sounds. I am very much drawn to African influenced music and I think that’s very much thanks to Soundway! And being Colombian of course…
If you had to pick three tracks that define your sound, what would they be?
Good question!
What’s the key to connecting with the crowd during your sets?
I love being able to offer them something new, to show them that they have it in them to move and shake those hips to unfamiliar sounds. And also to show them how a good four on the floor rhythm that their heart recognises can also go so well with sounds from other parts of the world. We connect in the unfamiliar that becomes familiar…
What does it feel like to blend the music of your Colombian roots and take it to the world?
It feels really wonderful! As I said above, I’ve recently partnered up with a visionary producer in Colombia to help lead the charge on a powerful new genre: Ritmo Exótico. Born from the creativity of young Afro-Colombian artists in the country’s Pacific region: Chocó — a historically marginalised, under-resourced part of the Global South — this emerging sound captures both the struggles and spirit of these communities. Infused with joy, resilience, and raw talent, Ritmo Exótico tells a compelling story of heritage, resistance, and the future of Afro-Colombian identity through music. So it feels great to be able to contribute by sharing it with the world.
Musically speaking, what are your plans for 2025 and what can we expect from you in the coming year?
Musically speaking I am dedicating time to promote Ritmo Exótico and I am also collecting and getting deeper into Champeta, a Colombian Caribbean musical genre and dance influenced by Congolese soukous mainly but also Nigerian highlife, and South African mbaqanga, as well as Caribbean zouk, soca, and reggae. I am going to be helping promoting a few dance tracks I collaborated in (still unannounced so can’t tell you more, sorry!) And I am heading to DJ in Kala Festival in Albania, Multi Multi in London, Glastonbury, We Out Here and to Dimensions in Croatia for now.
What excites you the most about playing at The Standard Ibiza?
The Standard is such a musical institution, such a taste-making space! This is my second time playing at The Standard Ibiza — I am excited to bring the new sounds I am discovering to the beautiful designs and atmosphere that only The Standard can offer. Merging worlds through music! Also, I have a 40th party the next couple of days in the island so friends will hopefully be able to join for the night!
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