Words: Theo Thompson, Images: Theo Thompson and Clayton Burke
When VXRGO takes her place at the decks, an unmistakable energy fills the air. Her connection with the crowd is magnetic, with a seamless energy flowing from the stage to the very heart of the rave. Whether it’s the deep, rolling basslines or the soulful vocals weaving through her sets, her performances are nothing short of electrifying.
But VXRGO’s journey to becoming a standout figure in the UK jungle scene wasn’t inevitable. It was born from a blend of early influences, self-discovery and the determination to carve her own path. “My mum was just constantly playing music, she used to have a lot of Lovers Rock on,” reflecting on her childhood. “I can vividly recall her playing Lily Allen’s LDN on CD and skipping around the front room just having a great time, loving life.”
VXRGO’s story is rooted in a deeply personal connection to music. From singing as a child to dancing around the living room to her mum’s records, it was clear that music was in her blood. Yet, for a long time, the spotlight wasn’t an option she had self-envisioned. “I used to be shy. I didn’t even want to sing in front of people,” she admits. “I remember being at the Lewisham Shopping Centre, where they had this audition for Annie The Musical. But I just was too nervous, I couldn’t get up and sing, it was just too scary for me.”
VXRGO’s journey has been a tapestry of self-discovery, driven by an inner call to create that never quite dissipated, no matter how far she ventured down divergent paths. After initially studying interior architecture, VXRGO found herself at a crossroads. It wasn’t until her family, who had long recognised her latent musical talent, began pushing her toward a new direction that the pieces began to fall into place. “They were always vocal in wanting me to pursue music, encouraging me to sing in front of people, though I was always nervous.” But VXRGO, ever the independent spirit, needed to carve her own way. “I’m the type of person who has to figure it out for myself,” underscoring her reluctance to follow a prescribed path. “I found a DJ workshop in Whitechapel with CM Community Music, and I was like, no, this is what I want to do forever.” In that moment, a revelation, VXRGO knew her future was no longer tied to architecture, but to the pulsating rhythms of music. A leap that was both bold and inevitable.
It was through the community she found in these workshops, where she discovered artists she resonated with. “I remember hearing Shy FX, Nia Archives and Tim Reaper, then seeing them perform in clubs.” she reflects. “They were really inspirational to me, especially because like they looked like me, they’re black people, and I didn’t really see much of that in the scene. It was mostly singers, but I was too nervous to sing in front of people.” The representation she found in these trailblazers gave VXRGO the confidence to pursue her own path, feeling that DJing offered a more accessible way in. “I felt like I could actually do this,” she adds, marking the commencement of her journey in music.
VXRGO’s journey into jungle music was sparked by her connection to the genre’s raw, immersive energy. “The first jungle track I fell in love with was ‘Junglist’ by Congo Natty,” she recounts. “It wasn’t so much dark, more ragga, but I felt I could connect to it through my background in reggae.” As she delved deeper, it was the genre’s darker elements that truly captivated her. “It was the deep, dark basslines that drew me in,” she explains. “If a tune has a good bassline, I’m going to love it. But saying that, I also love a good vocal.” The haunting sounds, eerie pads and twinkling arpeggio triangles became essential in her love for jungle, evoking a visceral response. VXRGO even compares the genre’s sinister atmosphere to a childhood fascination of hers: “I used to watch horror films on my own when I was 14, 15 at night, in the dark, when everyone else was asleep. I don’t know what that was about, but I think it’s part of what drew me to those darker sounds.” The unsettling yet thrilling quality of jungle music became something VXRGO not only embraced but feel in love with.
Her voyage into the jungle scene as a female in an industry historically shaped by limited narratives has been marked by both determination and opportunity. “I feel like I’ve been quite lucky,” she reflects, acknowledging the proactive nature that propelled her forward. “I was just eager to get into the scene, so I’d go out raving a lot, finding DJs or promoters. Talking to them, reaching out on social media. I’d basically just be in their face,” she admits with a laugh. This fearless approach; being upfront about her intentions and building genuine connections earned her early respect and bookings. “I was very outspoken, very upfront about what I wanted,” VXRGO continues. “I’d say, ‘Here’s my mix, if you like it, book me; if not, that’s cool, just consider me for the future.’”
However, she emphasises that this is not to imply the absence of the significant challenges women face in the industry. “There are a lot of women behind the scenes in jungle, but not at the forefront,” she notes. “That is changing, thankfully.” VXRGO credits pioneering individuals like Nia and Sherelle for paving the way, offering both inspiration and a blueprint for the community in the scene. “There’s so many amazing female DJs coming up its so inspiring and it’s like… we’re all in this together, we can actually make something out of this.”
Nia Archives, in particular, has been a beacon for VXRGO. “Seeing Nia push the genre forward is so motivating. She’s a constant reminder that I can do this too. It’s a form of strength,” And while VXRGO has been fortunate with the support she’s received, she is keenly aware of the need for more representation.
Her success is not just about personal achievement, but about uplifting others, too. She’s an active advocate for new voices in the scene. Her radio show on Kool FM, where she seamlessly blends belter after belter while showcasing emerging talent, is one of the many ways she’s giving back. “It’s about helping the next generation, those that might not yet have that platform they deserve” she says. “I want people to look up and say, ‘I can do this too.’”
VXRGO’s performance at The Orange Room, for the Junglicious Day Party on International Women’s Day, was an embodiment of everything that makes her so magnetic. It was evident that her energy, passion and enthusiasm ignited the space, leaving the audience hyped, entranced and wanting more.
VXRGO’s words during our conversation resonated with a rare clarity and purpose, articulating her journey in a way that was both inspiring and deeply reflective. Having followed her rise for some time, with countless hours spent rewatching her electrifying sets at Planet Wax, I felt the full weight of her charisma and vision in every sentence she spoke. Her message to the next generation of artists is simple but powerful: “Be yourself, hone your skills and don’t be afraid to talk to people even if you feel that fear, that’s absolutely fine, nothing worth doing is ever easy.” She recounts how a brief conversation in a dance led to a booking with promoters 23 Degrees. A chance encounter that contributed towards the trajectory of her career. “I’ve never seen her since,” VXRGO reflects, “but she put my name forward, and now here I am.” Her story is one of perseverance, evolving from a shy girl in her living room to an empowering figure in the jungle scene.
While she continues to break new ground in the industry, VXRGO has a nostalgic side too. “I want to bring back physical mixtapes,” she muses with a grin. “Even though I’m not sure who still has a tape player, maybe CDs would work!” No matter the format I can assure I’ll be waiting with anticipation to get my hands on one.
As VXRGO looks ahead to new releases, including her highly anticipated self-released EP this April, her future is filled with promise. “I’m excited for what’s coming next; festivals, collaborations and continuing to push the boundaries,” she says, her voice brimming with determination. It’s clear VXRGO is not just a rising star. She’s a trailblazer, reshaping the future of jungle music. Reflecting on her journey, VXRGO considers what her younger self would think of her current success: “I feel like I am the adult that younger me would look up to and think, ‘Oh my gosh, she’s so cool, I want to do that,’” she shares. “I think she’d be very proud of me, especially now that I’m pursuing music and having a great time with it.”
