iMullar SoundSystem Marks Four Years With Energy 020 Celebration

Accra’s alternative party scene is set for another defining moment as iMullar SoundSystem celebrates its fourth anniversary with its flagship event, Energy 020. The milestone event brings together Ghanaian tastemakers and South African duo Surreal Sessions for a night designed to push the boundaries of sound, culture and nightlife experiences.

Founded by Maxwell, iMullar SoundSystem was created to fill a gap in Ghana’s entertainment space, one where DJs were often overlooked despite being central to the party experience.

“We had a DJ culture, but not one that truly spotlighted DJs as stars,” he explained. “We wanted to build a platform where DJs could express themselves freely and connect with audiences more intentionally.”

Over the past four years, iMullar has evolved into more than just an event series. It has become a movement, nurturing a new generation of DJs who are bold enough to experiment beyond conventional Ghanaian sounds. By blending underground and mainstream influences, the platform has helped introduce audiences to a broader spectrum of dance music, from Afrobeats and Highlife to electronic subgenres.

A defining feature of iMullar’s identity is its unique approach to event structuring. Rather than traditional event titles, each gathering is treated as an “edition,” similar to a magazine issue, starting with Energy 001 and progressing to Energy 020. This format allows attendees to form personal connections with specific editions, each offering a distinct theme and experience.

The upcoming Energy 020 promises to be one of the most dynamic yet. According to Maxwell, the event will merge “two worlds in one” West African dance sounds and electronic influences from South Africa. The lineup includes local DJs and international acts, notably Surreal Sessions, a South African DJ-producer duo making their debut in Ghana.

For Surreal Sessions, the opportunity marks an important step in their journey. “It’s an honour to be here and share what we do,” they said, describing the experience as both exciting and culturally enriching. 

Known for their work within the Gqom genre, a high-energy, percussion-driven sound originating from Durban, the duo represents a new wave of African electronic music that continues to gain global traction.

Maxwell, who discovered Surreal Sessions during a visit to Cape Town, emphasised the importance of cross-cultural collaboration. “We’ve been working together for a few years now, and bringing them to Ghana is part of a bigger vision to connect scenes across Africa,” he noted.

Beyond the music, iMullar SoundSystem has also gained recognition for its unconventional party format. Eschewing traditional club structures such as table service and bottle culture, the events focus on pure energy, movement and community. Attendees often spend hours on the dancefloor, with some events stretching up to 16 hours.

Reflecting on the journey so far, Maxwell highlighted the platform’s broader impact: “The biggest win has been seeing DJs from Accra travel and perform internationally, carrying sounds we’ve helped shape.”

As anticipation builds for Energy 020, expectations remain high. With a carefully curated lineup, genre-blending sounds and a commitment to authentic experiences, the event is poised to reinforce iMullar SoundSystem’s position as a key driver of Ghana’s evolving nightlife culture.