- Words Cleo Webster
Black, Gay and Proud, Kiddy Smile is the French Prince of Vogue paving way to reshape the norms of house music and re-claim what is culturally his.
A man with many talents, DJ, artist, dancer and producer Kiddy Smile is all about spreading love, equality and creating cultural spaces of representation for all through his art forms. Originally from a small town in France, Ramboulet (Yvelines), a French suburb, Smile was one kid who held huge dreams in the palm of his hands. With minimal opportunities in his hometown Smile decided to pack his bags and head towards the capital to make his newfound dreams as a musical artist and voguer become a reality. Being a black, homosexual trying to find his community in Paris was definitely not easy for Smile. Having to fight to own who he truly is, whilst searching for likeminded individuals to create with seemed like mission impossible, until he thankfully discovered the Ballroom Scene. Finally finding a sacred space and community where his skin colour, extravagant fashion sense and homosexuality is fully accepted was just the beginning for Smile as he found a home away from home.
Deeply influenced by the experimental, dreamy and imaginative sounds of the ’80s and ’90s House music, Gospel and Hip Hop, Smile flaunts his moves and sounds on stage to break the whitewashed stigma of house music and pave way for black and other ethnic minorities to shine through and re-claim their stage. Notoriously known for his LGBTQ+ activist activities in Paris which caught the attention of several press companies, Smile has been named the French Prince of Voguing and one of Paris’ top figures in Vogue. With four EP’s and one debut album to his name, this journey in search of identity and representation seems to be just at the beginning for Smile, as we know with Paris’ ballroom scene improving more and more, day by day, Smile will have a lot more to share with us very soon.
We catch up with the LGBT icon to check out his 10Trax playlist for the dancefloor!
I Tried To Forget You by Sylvester
"My favourite break up song from my spiritual mother Sylvester"
House Music (Message Mix) by Eddie Amador
"A classic tune from Mr amador that never goes out of style"
Phreaky MF by Mr. 69
"Mike dunn is one of my favourite DJ's and producers, I just love out this track it is so sexy!"
Sage Comme Une Image by Lio
"Lio is a big pop icon in France and I just found out about this song , I love the disco feel of it"
I Would Die For You by Prince
"Approaching Prince´s anniversary, this song always gets me in the mood"
Four Ethers by Serpentwithfeet
"Serpentwithfeet is one of my favourite new artist ! I am in love with his voice and songwriting"
Patience by Ray BLK
"A song about patience and waiting for your time, not taking life as a race ... i live."
WTP by Teyana Taylor
"The sample utilisation of sweet pussy Pauline original track is absolutely overwhelming, this is my « go to the gym » song"
Between The Lines by Robyn
"Louie Vega from masters at work remixing Swedish hot babe Robyn, perfect to listen to while getting ready to party."
Slap My Butt by Kiddy Smile
"When you feel sexy and unstoppable with your squad and you are about to make a big mess of yourself : this is your soundtrack!"