Fifi Forte Is Bringing Her Funky Rollers to Paradise in the City
- Undrtone Blog
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
This Saturday, Paradise makes its long-awaited London return with Paradise in the City, a one-day house and techno festival set across four stunning stages at Boston Manor Park. With Jamie Jones curating the bill, you’ll find big hitters like Bedouin, Franky Wah, and Hot Since 82 lighting up the Grid, Hangar, Bridge and Woods. But tucked into the lineup’s freshest corner is a name you might not know yet, though you should - Fifi Forte is stepping up!
One of the UK’s most exciting newcomers, Fifi has been making noise with her bass-heavy, percussion-led sound, which nods to the roots of classic house while pushing into more modern club territory. Raised on a diet of Chicago House and Funky, her first exposure to the genre came via her dad’s vinyl collection: Kerri Chandler, Frankie Knuckles, the works.
“Watching my dad play vinyl for years definitely sparked my interest,” she says. “But it wasn’t until I went to Ibiza that it really hit me. Seeing DJs control the crowd like that... I just knew I wanted to be up there.”
That early spark turned serious during lockdown. Fifi bought herself a pair of decks, spent days watching sets online, and began building her own identity behind the booth. What started as a personal obsession evolved into a daily ritual, and ultimately became a pathway into the industry. She later honed her skills at Point Blank Music School, where the technical side of production fell into place.
“Studying gave me a solid foundation,” she explains, “but the biggest shift came after, just trusting my own sound more, not overthinking everything. That’s when the music really started to click.”
Since then, she’s earned co-signs from the likes of Jamie Jones and Marco Carola, not bad company for a relative newcomer. One of her most significant pinch-me moments so far? Being on the dancefloor at Destino in Ibiza when Marco Carola opened his set with her track.
“I was actually there, in the crowd,” she says. “It was the first time a major DJ played something I’d made. That moment still doesn’t feel real. But it definitely gave me that push to keep going.”
That forward momentum now lands her at Paradise in the City, where she’ll be playing the Woods, a stage tucked among the trees, designed for up-and-coming artists who thrive on building real connection in more intimate settings. It’s a vibe Fifi’s more than ready for.
“I’m going for groovy warm-up beats to set the tone for the day and ease people in,” she says. “Some nice boppy rollers. It’s an early set, but those are my favourite kinds, you get to shape the mood.”
And while she’s on a lineup packed with scene leaders, she’s still a fan at heart. “Jamie’s 2010 set is going to be iconic,” she adds. “That one’s a must-see for me.”
The fact she’s even on the bill isn’t lost on her. “Honestly, it feels surreal. Paradise is such a respected brand, and to be part of the first-ever one in London? It’s huge. Seeing my name alongside all these incredible artists just reminds me why all the hard work is worth it.”
She’s not stopping here either. After Paradise, Fifi heads to Amsterdam for ADE, where she’ll play again for the brand, this time going B2B with her friend Goosey. “I can’t say too much yet about other projects,” she teases, “but there’s a lot in the pipeline.”
So if you’re heading to Paradise in the City this weekend, make time to dip into the Woods. Among the foliage and basslines, you’ll find one of the UK’s brightest new voices doing what she does best, grooving her way into your playlists before she inevitably breaks out of them.
Fifi Forte
Catch Fifi at Paradise in the City this weekend alongside a mega lineup, including East End Dubs, Vintage Culture, Richy Ahmed B2B wAFF, Hot Since 82, Seth Troxler, Fleur Shore, Franky Wah, Mr G (Live), Manda Moor, Bedouin, Gaskin and loads more.
Paradise in the City
Saturday 2nd August 2025
Boston Manor Park, London
Final tickets on third release from £65 + booking fee
Tickets: https://www.paradiseinthecity.co.uk
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