Femi Williams (aka Femi Fem) has been an integral part of the Hidden Beach Festival since its inception, and continues to maintain a much-anticipated and much-welcomed presence at the event. His career began in 1990 as a member of the groundbreaking trio The Young Disciples, alongside Carleen Anderson and Marco Nelson. The band’s fusion of funk, soul, hip hop, and breakbeats helped define the Acid Jazz movement in London. Their hit single, Apparently Nothin’, from the Mercury Award-nominated Road To Freedom album, propelled them to fame, and with it, Femi’s deep involvement in the music industry.
As his career evolved, Femi became a sought-after writer, producer, remixer, DJ, and promoter, collaborating with artists such as Ultra Naté, Estelle, Booty Luv, and even working with global stars like Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige, Beyoncé, and D’Influence. His DJ sets have graced some of the UK’s most iconic venues, including Cream, Ministry of Sound, and Café de Paris, while internationally he’s performed for legends like Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Janet Jackson. His diverse talents also extended to producing music for fashion shows, working with designers like Ozwald Boateng and Stella McCartney.
Femi’s influence on the underground club scene is immeasurable, having run the MOBO Award-winning Rotation club, as well as promoting Camouflage and holding DJ residencies at Supperclub in Notting Hill. His globetrotting DJ career has taken him across the world, playing in cities as far-reaching as Australia, Dubai, Japan, Germany, and Ibiza, to name just a few. Femi’s commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusivity, both in his music and his community, resonates deeply with the ethos of Hidden Beach.
As part of the Hidden Beach – Love Music Hate Racism Festival, Femi continues to inspire, bringing his passion, energy, and deep-rooted experience to every performance. His journey from The Young Disciples to his ongoing impact as a DJ and producer perfectly aligns with the festival’s mission to bring people together, celebrate diverse music genres, and create a unified space where all are welcome. Femi has been with Hidden Beach from the start, and his legacy remains a key part of the festival’s soul.