Caracas-born Jose Luis has established himself as one of Europe's leading Latin DJs and events promoters during the last two decades. He pioneered the urban Latin movement in Europe in the early Noughties with its largest reggaetón club night, La Bomba at the Ministry of Sound, taking it Europe in what would become the very first reggaetón residency in Pacha, Ibiza.
He’s one of the founders of the annual LatinoLife In The Park Festival and resident DJ at London’s largest reggaeton and house party, VIVA Reggaeton. Jose iis also also one of founders of Candela Records, under the umbrella of Warner Music & Atlantic Records, and on Friday October 27th Jose hosts and DJs at La Bomba’s Halloween Ball and check out his London highlights.
Jose Luis takes us through his Guide to London
What’s the best thing about London?
It sounds a bit cliche but having people from everyone interacting makes London a very special place
What’s the worst thing about London?
How expensive it has become!
Where do you go to have fun?
Summer, we go to Hampstead Heath a lot, in winter…I keep it local but I have been to The Jago lately and it’s a fun venue
Where is the most relaxing place in town?
London has so many options when it comes to parks…Hampstead Heath and Richmond Park come to mind as places to kick back and enjoy.
Where is your favourite place for eats and drinks in London?
I’m not a big drinker but The Flask in Highgate used to be my spot to have a pint in. Foodwise, oh man, so many places in London from Turkish food in Green Lanes, Diyarbakir is a great option to Mexican in Warren Street with Mestizo.
If I could change one thing about London…
The way traffic is managed…
What’s your favourite venue to play at and what makes it so special?
Ministry Of Sound has been a favourite place for me for years, but now it’s my new residency at The Lightbox. We’ve created a very special room in the Mirror Arch and the vibe is insane. We also have a VIP behind the DJ booth so friends and family can come and hang out with us a lot, and that’s a very special feeling.
The song that reminds me most of London is…
“A Lil Bit of Luck” by DJ Luck and MC Neat. Blasting out of cars especially in the summer.
Tell us a London gem that everyone should know about
The Barbican Conservatory is insane and right in the middle of town. I played there recently and was blown away by how cool it is.
One thing everyone should do in London is…
Support their local business! Whatever it is, a little cafe or a barber shop, help them rather than giving your money to the big guys who already have way too much money!
Jose Luis is joined by El Moreno for La Bomba’s Halloween Ball on Friday October 27th at Fire, South Lambeth Rd, Vauxhall, London, SW8 1RT. Running from 11pm - 6am with last entry at 3am, there’s 2 rooms including aTropical Room with DJ Frank and guests. Tickets from £9 on Skiddle..