Italian DJ likes music ‘with feelings,’ spontaneous sets

DJ PAPA played with the violin before he started fiddling with the computer.

Italian disc jockey Papadia Donato, more popularly known as DJ Papa, has been performing all over the world since the 1970s and has witnessed the evolution of club music over the years.

While most DJs right now lean primarily toward electronic sounds, Donato said that he still prefers to incorporate “classic” elements in his work. “I don’t like ‘plastic’ music. I don’t like electronic, sorry. I respect all the top DJs—they’re amazing. But I prefer classic music,” Donato said in an interview.

Donato—whose 39-year career took him to over 300 clubs, as well as private parties in Spain, France, Egypt, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United States—first dabbled in funk and soul-inspired sounds. He likewise found an affinity with classic rock, new wave, house and new beat.

“I love chill music, ethnic sounds, Oriental music. I love music with feelings,” said Donato, who recently headlined a show at Buddha-Bar Manila in Makati City, as part of the club’s DJ Tour.

He’s the resident DJ of Buddha-Bar Monte Carlo, Monaco where he performs four times a week, and has participated in some of the European city-state’s high-profile events like the Rolex Tennis Masters, Grand Rose Ball, Summer Ball and Yacht Show.

Asked how he thought dance music has evolved, Donato said that techniques have changed. “I used to play the violin, now I play with the computer,” the DJ quipped. “Back then, it was about funk, soul, new beat and new wave; now it’s electronic.”

Donato’s current repertoire infuses lounge, world music and bit of house, but no show is ever the same. “I never prepare a playlist,” he said, adding that the music he performs goes with what’s happening in the venue. “I change the program every night.”

He added, “During dinner, I prepare more lounge, Turkish music, traditional and contemporary flamenco. Sometimes the music will be very quiet but then I add opera and the people are amazed. After dinner, I come up with something with more energy, more tribal; no techno, but very energetic.”

(Email [email protected])