Tchami

Martin Joseph Léonard Bresso, known as Tchami, is a Paris-born French DJ and record producer whose solo work helped define future house, a term he coined alongside Dutch DJs Oliver Heldens and Don Diablo. Born on 12 May 1985, he is also a founding member of the Pardon My French collective.

Tchami’s name came from his travels in Europe and Africa. He has said it was given to him in Africa as an honour, and that he kept it because it sounded catchy. His releases move through house, deep house, bass house and g-house, with future house remaining the style most closely associated with his work.

His live presentation is built around a priestly persona and church imagery. Tchami performs in a clerical collar, while his visuals have included an altar and stained-glass windows. He has described the concept as a spiritual message that also runs through his music.

Alongside his own productions, Tchami has released remixes and collaborations involving artists including DJ Snake, AlunaGeorge, Kaleem Taylor, Oliver $, Jimi Jules, Mercer, Martin Garrix, Candyland, Jack Ü and AC Slater. His single “Promesses” reached number seven on the UK charts, and he has undertaken supporting tours with Skrillex, Diplo and DJ Snake. His work has also been released through Confession, the label connected to his output as a producer and DJ.