New York DJ and producer AQUTIE has launched PELE PELE, a new label and creative platform spanning music releases, parties and cultural events rooted in South African and Harlem influences. Its debut release, "LATESTATE", is a collaboration with fellow NYC scene figure L3Ni, and the pair spoke to Clash Magazine about the project as part of what the outlet describes as a resurgent moment for New York's club culture.

The duo said the EP grew out of nights spent dancing around the city, which then fed back into the studio the following day. PELE PELE's name comes from the Zulu word for "chilli pepper", and the platform has already been tied to Brooklyn's We Belong Here Festival, alongside a mission-statement playlist curated by AQUTIE featuring label artists and like-minded acts. Both AQUTIE and L3Ni described mutual respect, humility and open-mindedness as key to a good collaboration, and said the track has already been well received by crowds and fellow DJs.