Freedom & the pleasure to challenge yourself: the underground scene by CAIÃO

Techno, electronic, and baile funk collide with a unique stage presence that pulls us in! Discover the story of CAIÃO, how his roots and passions shape the DJ we experience in Brussels’ underground scene today.

Growing up in São Paulo, Caio Fernandes, aka DJ CAIÃO, was shaped by a city that never slows down. Surrounded by creativity, friends, and constant noise, he learned early how to find joy in the middle of chaos. That fast-paced rhythm, rooted in one of the world’s most vibrant queer scenes, still drives everything he does today. Leaving that world wasn’t easy, and arriving in Brussels brought a mix of excitement and displacement. São Paulo’s underground isn’t just an influence, it is the foundation. Raw, intense, and extremely queer, it gave him a language beyond words. 

Today, his sets carry that energy: techno colliding with baile funk, latincore Latin rhythms, and heavy percussion. “It’s about freedom and pleasure, ” he says. “Why else are we here if not to have fun and feel gorgeous?” Raised in a working-class family, CAIÃO started working at 14. Migration to Europe pushed him further but also exposed him to comparison and self-doubt. A turning point came with a residency at The Agenda, queer bar.  “Even without speaking English, I could express myself through music.” 

Since then, he has been building confidence in his own voice. Behind the decks, his intention is clear: “If you can feel yourself and recognize your beauty, then I’ve reached my goal. ” His sets create space for release and connection. A recent Brazilian tour was pivotal. Playing across the country, reconnecting with collectives, and absorbing the energy of home allowed him to reflect on his path. “Sometimes we fight so hard for something, and when we achieve it, we forget to value it. But that’s a victory. Praise yourself,” he says. 

His references in the music scene reflect his vision: Linn da Quebrada, Cartho Music, Aya Ibeji, Laza, and Clementaum inspire him internationally, while in Brussels, collectives like VICIOSA, CALL OF DIRTY, and QUEER FUTURE CLUB feel like perfection every time.

As Brazilian sounds gain global attention, CAIÃO stays anchored: “Baile funk is history. It’s resistance. If you play it, respect it. If you dance to it, feel it. If you love it, learn about it. Don’t just consume it, understand it. ” Between São Paulo and Brussels, his ambition goes beyond performance: he crafts spaces where people can feel recognized, energized, and truly present.

www.instagram.com/caaiao