Hi Neighbour,

I'm super excited to introduce a new edition to our "Meet the Denizens" series, where we'll be shining a spotlight on the amazing musical artists who perform at Denizen Eiswerk with Afro Heist. We've been exceptionally fortunate to welcome extraordinary people into our space. Listening to their stories, drawing inspiration from their journeys, and becoming a part of their lives, even if just for a moment, is what truly drives us.

Get ready to explore the rich and vibrant talents that make our community so special! So, without further ado, allow me to introduce you to Ophundem - a talented African artist whose captivating voice will be performing at Denizen Eiswerk in Berlin🧡

Welcome to Denizen, Ophundem!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself!

I'm Ophundem, also known as ODEM, a 22-year-old music enthusiast whose passion for singing and songwriting started from day one. I was born and raised in Cameroon, where music was the heart and soul of everyday life

My teenage years were all about music - whether I was performing in school bands, attending music school, or taking the stage for various performances, including on "The Voice of Germany."

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As part of these mini-interview series, we always ask Denizens five short questions, this time accompanied by pictures from last week's Vernissage at Denizen.

How does your cultural background influence your music?

There’s a special place in my heart for genres like RnB, Soul, and Afro Pop. My cultural background plays a huge role in shaping my music.

In Cameroon, we always had a "groove" and rhythm when it came to music, singing the most heartfelt and warming songs no matter the occasion—be it a wedding, a burial, at school, or in church. Music was our way of lifting people’s spirits, regardless of the circumstances. That’s something I always keep in mind when I make music. If the lyrics are down, the beats are up, and vice versa.

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What makes the AFRO Heist Jam Sessions so special for you?

The sessions are a welcoming, open, and safe space provided for both artists and guests. It’s such a judgment-free zone where every artist is given the freedom to express themselves without fear of doing anything "wrong" or not being "enough." As an artist, those are the best conditions to let creativity flow and truly shine.

What inspired you to start making music?

The idea of sharing a part of myself with the world, embracing vulnerability, and giving others the courage to do the same. I want my music to help people feel connected and to know they’re not alone in whatever they’re going through.

How would you describe Berlin in a few words?

Modern, inviting, inclusive. Berlin is a great city for days when you just want some nice peace & quiet, hanging out in the green spaces or by the lake, or days when you’d like a little more action & adventure, in the music scene or in the nightlife.

What brought you to Denizen?

The first time I heard about Denizen was for the Jam Session. I imagined a dark, edgy, underground room, which is the reality for a lot of jam sessions in Berlin. But when I stepped into Denizen, I had this amazingly welcoming feeling, which really made me keep coming back for the jam sessions.

What do you like about Denizen?

I love the openness, modernity, and welcoming atmosphere that Denizen provides, as well as the wide range of events they host in their space, from language lessons to jam sessions. It’s quite rare to find that in a co-working space.

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Feeling bummed you missed the chance to see those amazing artists? No worries! We host an Open Mic Night at Denizen on the first Friday of every month, and the next one is coming up on September 6th at Denizen Eiswerk. Come join us and enjoy performances by incredible artists! 🎤

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Cheers!

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The Denizen Team