The unstoppable KI/KI surprised her loyal fans by appearing on the Dutch cover of the globally acclaimed magazine ELLE. In an honest interview, the techno sensation revealed that she began making music as a way to process her emotions, sharing insights into her early days, key turning points in her career, and her popular “5 Hours” set that has taken the global techno scene by storm. This May, she will also conquer the stunning Umag lagoon at the eighth edition of Sea Star Festival, taking place from May 28 to 31, 2026.
With every move, techno diva KI/KI reaches new, previously unseen heights. She discovered her passion for DJing at just seventeen, initially performing as part of a duo with her then-boyfriend. As she explored the scene, she also discovered herself – developing a deep love for trance music. She played her first solo set in The Hague, and just a few months later captivated the crowd at a queer party at Club Spielraum with a six-hour performance. After that exceptionally successful night, she became a resident – despite it being only her third gig ever. KI/KI later concluded that the only way to truly learn something is by doing it.
She is known for her extended sets and all-nighters, born from a unique synergy between herself and the audience. She emphasizes that it is precisely the energy of people who find themselves in her music that drives her and gives meaning to everything she does. She is not afraid to speak openly about the position of women in the industry, especially on the techno scene – admitting that she still does not feel fully equal and that change doesn’t happen overnight. That is exactly why, alongside her name on festival and event lineups she headlines, you’ll often find many other female DJs, whether globally established or just starting out.
As she says, a large part of her success is owed to the queer community, which embraced her even when she was still trying to find herself. KI/KI states she will remain forever loyal to the community that helped her accept who she is, and that if she ever had to choose between a massive stadium show and a set at Club Raum, she would always choose the place where it all began. One of her biggest wishes is for her music to have a healing effect on those who truly need it.
To keep the spark alive in her sets, she always prepares surprises for her fans – each performance is unique, and she consistently includes new tracks, offering an exclusive experience every time. For every all-nighter, she invites special guests, and she still marvels at the fact that Armin van Buuren agreed to join her set – after which they went on to create a track together. Still, a particularly special place belongs to her mother, who learned to DJ in just four weeks to join her on a festival stage. KI/KI also revealed that they dream of one day producing a track together.
KI/KI has expressed her desire to continue doing what she loves while finding balance – making time for friends and family, while remaining fully present and dedicated to every performance. However, she doesn’t see herself growing old behind the DJ booth; when the time comes, she would gladly explore composing film music.
The Dutch diva KI/KI joins the lineup of the eighth Sea Star Festival. Alongside her, the stunning seaside lagoon will host West Coast hip-hop icon Xzibit with his band Furnace, as well as masked DJ phenomenon Boris Brejcha. This year’s edition will also feature the spectacular Emergency EXIT performance, a collaboration between EXIT Festival, Boom Festival, and La Fura dels Baus, with renowned electronic producer Satori in the leading role. Taking over the Tesla Main Stage will also be American star Layla Benitez, one of Portugal’s most prominent DJs and producers BIIA, electro wunderkind Lanna, and regional live sensation KOIKOI.
Sea Star Gang is also arriving in full force – this year led by Amna, Grše, Hiljson Mandela, Prti Bee Gee, TBF, Blackout Showcase w/ Phat Phillie, Bore Balboa, Macha Ravel, TNG, Bejbe, Noti Limun, and Tibor. The Electric Waves stage will gather powerful regional electronic names, including DJ Labud, Herya, INKA, Kim Ono, Lottie, Marcel, Marin Biočić, and Sunny Sun.
The eighth edition of Sea Star Festival will take place from May 28 to 31, 2026, in the Stella Maris lagoon in Umag. As before, the main festival days will be Friday, May 29, and Saturday, May 30, while Thursday and Sunday are reserved for the Welcome Day and After Party.
Day tickets on sale today!
A limited number of day tickets for Friday and Saturday are available starting today at €29, with a 33% discount. A festival pass is also available at a promotional price of €54, offering a 30% discount off the final price. Tickets can be purchased via the official festival website.
The eighth Sea Star Festival is supported by the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Istrian County, the City of Umag, the Umag Tourist Board, the Istrian Tourist Board, and Plava Laguna.
