HUGEL — a French DJ, producer, and remixer, and one of the most prominent artists on today’s electronic music scene. His style blends house, tech house, and latin house, while his sets light up the world’s biggest festivals and top clubs — from Ibiza to Los Angeles. HUGEL is known for his signature “beach groove” — an energetic yet stylish sound that bridges Europe and Latin America.
Early Life and Formation
Florent Hugel (the artist’s real name) was born on December 4, 1987, in Marseille, France. From an early age, he showed a deep passion for music and began DJing in southern French clubs as a teenager. His taste was shaped by the pioneers of the French electronic scene — Daft Punk, Cassius, and Bob Sinclar.
Marseille — a city where European, African, and Mediterranean cultures meet — became the foundation for HUGEL’s distinctive sound, combining afro house rhythms, Latin influences, and dancefloor energy.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
After moving to Paris, HUGEL began collaborating with Warner Music and Spinnin’ Records, producing remixes for pop and house artists. His big breakthrough came in 2018 when his remix of “Bella Ciao (HUGEL Remix)” became a worldwide hit — topping European charts and earning multi-platinum certifications.
From that moment, HUGEL secured his position as one of Europe’s most in-demand DJs. His tracks have been played on BBC Radio 1, NRJ, and Radio FG, and featured in the sets of David Guetta, Tiësto, Diplo, and Fisher.
Popular Tracks and Collaborations
- Morenita — a club anthem with a Latin vibe, recorded with Cumbiafrica;
- Marianela (Que Pasa) — a 2023 hit supported by Tomorrowland and Beatport;
- I Adore You — melodic house with catchy vocal hooks;
- Can’t Love Myself — collaboration with Blasterjaxx;
- Tra Tra and La Candela Viva — examples of his signature latin tech house productions.
In addition to his own releases, HUGEL has created official remixes for David Guetta, Charlie Puth, Robin Schulz, J Balvin, and El Profesor.
Festivals and Performances
HUGEL is a regular at the world’s top festivals, including Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, Parookaville, World Club Dome, Elrow, and Defected. He’s also a resident DJ in Ibiza, performing at Ushuaïa, Pacha, and Hï Ibiza.
In 2024–2025, he continues to tour extensively across South America and the USA, headlining major festivals in Brazil and Mexico, further solidifying his position as a leader of the latin tech house scene.
Musical Style and Influence
HUGEL’s sound is a fusion of house and Latin rhythms, emphasizing live percussion, deep bass grooves, and a sunny vibe. His tracks balance between club power and radio appeal. He has become one of the key figures bringing Latin house into the mainstream.
Interesting Facts
- In 2020, he launched his own sublabel, Taul Project, supporting young producers in house and tech house;
- In 2023, he was nominated for the DJ Awards Ibiza in the category “Best House Artist”;
- Beyond music, he’s passionate about video production and directs his own live shows;
- He frequently collaborates with fashion and lifestyle brands, performing at Fashion Week events in Paris and Milan.
Legacy and Present Day
Today, HUGEL stands among the most recognizable European DJs of the new generation. His music bridges the dancefloors of Europe and Latin America, embodying sunshine, rhythm, and freedom. In 2025, he continues touring worldwide, working on a new album, and shaping the future of the global Latin house movement.
