Paso Doble blends tradition and technology into a distinct sonic narrative

In a global scene increasingly shaped by formula and trend, Paso Doble continues to carve his own lane, not by chasing immediacy, but by drawing deeply from cultural memory, rhythmic tradition and a forward-thinking sense of sound design. His work feels less like a catalogue of releases and more like an evolving narrative, one rooted in identity, ancestry, and the possibilities of the present moment.

Born Kamel Eddine Dalati in the culturally rich city of Oran, Algeria, Paso Doble’s connection to music was formed early, among rhythms that pulsed beyond genres. Over the years, he has translated that connection into a singular sonic language, blending organic percussion with contemporary electronic textures, and infusing his work with a clarity of intention that sets him apart in a crowded field.

After relocating to Canada, Paso Doble wasted little time embedding himself in the local scene. From the very beginning, his skill in blending African-inspired rhythmic structures with electronic textures pointed to a sound beyond conventional contrasts. It was a fusion, not just stylistically, but spiritually, and by 2008, his name was already circulating as one to watch. But rather than follow hype, Paso Doble chose to build something with lasting shape.

That something took the form of Melomania Records, founded in 2010, a label that would go on to serve as an early home for some of Afro House’s most respected names, including Da Capo, Vanco, Enoo Napa and Nitefreak. Between 2010 and 2014, the label helped shape the genre from the inside out, offering a platform for experimentation and a commitment to cultural roots that still defines Paso Doble’s approach today.

In 2019, his debut album Africa Knows Who I Am gave full expression to that vision. It was more than just a collection of tracks, it was a statement, a gesture toward the past and a proposition for the future. The album’s blend of traditional rhythms and electronic finesse felt both deeply personal and widely resonant, underscoring his capacity to tell stories without words, and to ground contemporary production in ancestral memory.

Paso Doble’s global recognition only grew from there. In 2022, he represented Canada at the Arcadia Festival in Doha, Qatar, one of the few artists from North America to appear at a FIFA World Cup-affiliated event. For many, it was an introduction. For others, it was confirmation: Paso Doble’s music could connect across cultures without compromise.

His ability to reinterpret heritage through a modern lens became even more apparent with his official 2024 remix of Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall (Live Yokohama). Pressed on vinyl, the release bridged musical generations, reworking a pop classic with a rhythmic sensibility shaped by decades of Afro-electronic evolution. That the remix didn’t feel forced or opportunistic speaks to Paso Doble’s care, his instinct to serve the music, not the moment.

In 2025, his creative practice widened with the launch of GĒNĒTIC, a record label and multimedia project exploring the human condition through sonic and visual narratives. The Pulse of Evolution, its inaugural project, merges sound and concept in a way that feels timely and timeless. Through it, Paso Doble proposes music as a way to understand not only ourselves but each other, highlighting both our shared DNA and our distinct identities.

And yet, despite the scale of his work, there is something grounded in every Paso Doble performance. Whether appearing at BPM Festival, Envision, SXM, Moga Caparica, or sharing the stage with Black Coffee at Stereo Montreal’s anniversary, he doesn’t overstate. His sets are rhythmic, textured and deliberate, marked by a trust in the power of groove rather than gimmick.

His discography reflects that same evolution. From earlier EPs like Kanti (2018) and Tishiki (2019), to recent offerings such as Echoes of Serenity (2024) and Wled Wahran (2023), Paso Doble has shown a steady commitment to deepening his sound. His remixes, most notably for Michael Jackson and Francis Mercier’s Premier Gaou, show how heritage and innovation can not only co-exist, but enhance one another.

Paso Doble’s journey doesn’t follow the usual arc. It’s less about escalation and more about alignment, with his roots, with his collaborators, and with the times. As he continues to shape new sonic worlds through GĒNĒTIC, through performances, and through thoughtful collaborations, he reaffirms a central belief: that electronic music can still mean something. It can still carry culture. It can still move us, not only to dance, but to listen, remember and imagine.