PARTY NEVA OVA! FLYGIRLS$ AT DALSTON SUPERSTORE

14-05-26

FLY GIRLS$ is a multifaceted collective rooted in the heart of Manchester. They’ve played Homobloc, Manchester Pride and on Sunday 24^th May are taking over Dalston Superstore for a big bank holiday party. We chatted to founders Muñeca Diabla, Chibby Lo, and Sylk Trayvaughn about influences, festival fantasies and more. 

What is the FLY GIRLS$ origin story? 

Chibby: We were fed up with how white washed commercial queer spaces are – the music, the talent being booked – it’s all very white/cis and the community is so much bigger than that. 

Muñeca: We would literally be at our pre-drinks having a way better time than the actual night out, celebrating each other, listening to way better music…girl we knew we needed a night for the girls that got it. 

What has Manchester taught you about music? 

Sylk: Manchester made me explore new genres and enjoy more British music. As a DJ, it’s taught me how to live in the music more and gain a better musical ear in so many ways.

Chibby: Manchester is honestly such an incredible space for music, I’d say we’re definitely heavier up here with the genres generally played at events. Tech, garage, trance – as a DJ that doesn’t play these genres, it gives me a challenge and it’s exciting, teaching me how to bring genres I love like RnB, Ballroom and Amapiano into these spaces.

Tell us about Manchester’s queer scene today. 

Sylk: The queer scene is very diverse in certain spaces with different cultures, backgrounds, experiences and expressions – it all adds to the flavour and colour of the city which I love.

Muñeca: It’s a big family, a community, and with every family there’s ups and downs – the ups being femininity, diversity, loudness, but the downside is I wish more of these things were celebrated in black and brown girls too and that opportunities were broader for us.

Chibby: There’s really beautiful spaces in Manchester being created with Swagga and Bruk Out but in comparison to London – hmmm to me, it’s no shade, it’s a little tired. In the words of Keke Palmer, I love Manchester but the scene has run stale! It’s very whitewashed and opportunities for my girls still aren’t prioritised.

What three bangers from the year so far that you can’t stop playing? 

Chibby: Tyla & Zara – She Did It Again

Sylk: Afties by GioFromDaBlock

Muñeca:  Leak It by Flo is my summer song!

…And three classics? 

Chibby:  Afrodisiac – Brandy

Sylk: Get Up – Ciara 

Muñeca:  Long Way To Go – Cassie!  

Who are your DJ heroes? 

Chibby: Honestly, my favourite DJ is CHY, she plays for Fly Girls a lot and she is genuinely incredible. Every time I watch her I am just gagged by the technicality of her transitions and the quick genre switch ups. She’s over. Then I’d say Uncle Waffles, Donnie Sunshine and AMBRR of course.

Sylk: My DJ heroes are definitely Adele Tondu, who inspires me so much, then Deejay Puffy, DJ Ovadose from back home in the Bahamas, Tinashe and of course my baby Chibby Lo.

You have an unlimited budget and your pick of any space in the world.? You’re throwing the ultimate party, who’s playing? Who’s coming? 

Muñeca: Tyla and Rihanna, OBVIOUSLY! I want all my friends, drag sisters, queers and trans women around me too! 

Chibby: Omg, okay we’re going that big! So headliners are Tyla, Uncle Waffles, Bree Runway, Cardi, Flo & Rihanna.?Surprise appearances from Kehlani, Dopenation, Kevin Jz Prodigy and Kylie Minogue. DJ’s are Kaytranada, Emz, AMBRR, Miss Milan & MikeQ…and me and Sylk. I’m having it in maybe Depot Mayfield you know, I’d want it in Manny. The guest list is any doll that wants to come plus Mariah Carey to kii with us in VIP.

Sylk: That and then throw Tinashe on top! Thankya!

What can we expect at Superstore on May 24th?? 

Sylk: Mad vibes, sweet tunes and a great adventure for anyone wanting to feel like a fly girl.

Muñeca: A lot of ass shaking, unapologetic energy and a shot or two!

Chibby: Just expect a really f*cking good time and a moment of complete escapism and joy surrounded by community and friends. This dance floor is for everybody.

What’s next for Fly Girls? 

Chibby: Girl, let’s get this tour out the way then we will tell you! It’s Fly Girl Summer! What’s next is the next party!…No but we have lots planned this year, some international gigs, festivals, some announced, some not – hopefully Dalston Superstore again wink wink nudge nudge.

Sylk: Taking over the UK this year and beyond! Amen!

Muñeca: We’re changing the aesthetic, new colour scheme, new energy – we’re taking over and we’re going off on any stage that has us!

Tickets for Bank Holiday Sunday 24th May HERE x

Photos by THP.400