Conducta

Architect of Modern UK Garage Revival

Foundations: Collins Nemi

The man behind the moniker, Collins Tamuno-Opubo Nemi, was born on April 13, 1994, in Bristol, United Kingdom, to Nigerian parents. Growing up in a city renowned for its rich musical heritage—the birthplace of trip-hop and a bastion of drum and bass—Nemi was surrounded by sound from a young age.

His early life was a tug-of-war between two passions: music and football. A gifted athlete, he was once on the path to professional sports, but his father’s emphasis on traditional academia eventually led him to study Politics and History at the SOAS University of London. However, the pull of the studio was too strong. Inspired by a news story about the astronomical contracts of professional footballers, he realized his true “winning goal” lay in music. He eventually left university to dedicate himself fully to his craft, adopting a name inspired by the rhythmic “ta” in the name of grime legend Skepta.

The Ascent: Resurrecting UK Garage

Conducta’s career trajectory is defined by a mission to modernize UK Garage (UKG). While the genre had peaked commercially in the early 2000s, it had largely moved back underground. Conducta changed that.

The turning point came in 2019 when he produced AJ Tracey’s “Ladbroke Grove.” The track was a cultural phenomenon, becoming the highest-selling UK Garage record in history and earning a triple-platinum certification. This success wasn’t just a personal win; it acted as a “proof of concept” for a new generation, showing that the swing and soul of garage could still dominate the global charts.

Kiwi Rekords and the “Kiwi Sound”

In 2019, Conducta launched Kiwi Rekords, a label that became the heartbeat of the “NUKG” (New UK Garage) movement. The name was born from a simple snack box on the way to a festival, but the label’s impact was anything but accidental. Under his leadership, Kiwi Rekords championed a “sweet and sharp” sound, winning Label of the Year at the 2020 DJ Mag Awards and providing a platform for rising stars like Sammy Virji and Mind Of A Dragon.

Musical Artistry and Influences

Conducta’s production style is a meticulous blend of “lacerating and lovely.” He combines the gritty, industrial low-end of grime with the euphoric, sunshine-soaked melodies of 90s R&B. His primary influences include:

• The Production Legends: He cites Teddy Riley (the pioneer of New Jack Swing) and Timbaland as his idols for their ability to balance swing with heavy percussion.
• The UK Icons: His “hero” is MJ Cole, whose technical precision on tracks like “Crazy Love” set the gold standard for soulful garage.
• The Pop Sensibility: Early memories of listening to All Saints’ “Pure Shores” in the car with his mother instilled in him a love for atmospheric, cinematic textures.

Legacy, Culture, and Recent Activities (2024–2026)

Conducta’s contribution to the entertainment industry extends beyond the DJ booth. He has been a vocal advocate for Black British music, ensuring that the roots of garage—deeply tied to R&B and reggae—are not erased as the genre gains mainstream popularity.

As of 2026, Conducta has shifted his focus toward global exploration and genre-blending. Following the closure of Kiwi Rekords in 2023, he embarked on a “growth phase,” marked by his ‘In Transit’ EP and a highly acclaimed North American tour. His recent sets have moved away from strict 130 BPM garage, incorporating elements of techno, breakbeat, and global club sounds, often performing “back-to-back” with diverse artists like Zack Fox and Special Request.

Quick Reference: Milestones and Awards

Conducta is more than just a DJ; he is a curator of culture. By refusing to simply “regurgitate” the sounds of the past, he has given UK Garage a “new car smell,” making it accessible to a global audience that never experienced the original raves of the 90s. His legacy is one of technical brilliance and infectious optimism, proving that with the right swing and a heavy enough bassline, any sound can be reborn.