Boudica is a multidisciplinary platform founded by the London-based Italian DJ, producer and promoter, Samantha Togni. A stalwart of the city’s renowned LGBTQ+ techno scene, Samantha launched the platform in 2019 after observing gender, race and sexuality-based disparity within the UK’s electronic music circuit. Deciding to take action on a local level, Samantha created Boudica — named after the rebellious queen of the British Celtic Iceni tribe who usurped conquering forces of the Roman Empire — to promote the visibility of underrepresented artists and inspire them to take their first steps into the music realm.
A platform highlighting women and non-binary DJs, producers and performers, Boudica’s outlets include a bi-monthly show on Threads Radio, podcast series, an event residency at The Pickle Factory, and soon-to-be-released vinyl record label and editorial blog including interviews, opinion pieces and music reviews. Such avenues allow the ethos of Boudica to breathe and come to life in its truest form.
Boudica events came to a halt during Covid-19 but Samantha swiftly adapted to the situation, and in November 2020, she launched the Boudica Music Conference. During the period when humans craved connection and motivation the most, Samantha’s aim for the day-long instalment was to deliver content from professionals whom the Boudica audience would align with, and as always, the result exceeded expectations.
Streamed from the cavernous surrounds of Freemasons Hall in London, Samantha curated panel discussions with Syreeta, Amanda Freeman and Lewis G Burton, covering topics from Mental Health and Well-Being to PR and Digital Marketing. DJ sets supplied by object blue, and Samantha herself topped off the proceedings.
The first of its kind, the conference garnered support from the Mayor of London and its Culture Team, PRS, PPL, BPI, DJ Mag, Mixmag, Resident Advisor and many more organisations. 1600 unique viewers connected on the day and the stream is currently available to rewatch here. Collaborating with Musicians' Union, Association of Independent Music, Featured Artist Coalition and Keychange, Samantha secured a second date for the Boudica Music Conference this coming October.
In early 2022, Boudica will expand beyond the UK and into Europe. Plans in the works include curating a conference with a similarly proven success rate, compiled of educational panels, workshops and performances; no doubt sharing the vision of Boudica on a broader scale.
As the UK opens up the dance music industry once again, Boudica is set to play a considerable part in positively reshaping London’s club culture for the long term.