We have the honour of speaking with Vincent Biessy, better known as DJ Magnum, a prominent figure in the world of music and hospitality. Discovered by Puff Daddy in 2010 at a Parisian nightclub, DJ Magnum has since forged an impressive path. He has collaborated with giants of the music industry such as Pharrell Williams, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and has been part of iconic events like the Cannes Film Festival, the Monte Carlo Grand Prix, and ArtBasel. His music, which deeply respects the roots of hip-hop, has resonated in legendary venues like Wembley Stadium and the Stade de France, accompanying artists such as Rihanna and Beyoncé.
In addition to his successful music career, Vincent has expanded his creativity into the world of hospitality. His new restaurant, Suelo, located in Paris’s Golden Triangle, blends music, art, and Mediterranean cuisine into a unique sensory experience. Alongside his Japanese cuisine restaurant, UNI, Vincent continues to explore culinary and cultural delights, offering diners an unforgettable journey.
Beyond your successful music career, you have ventured into hospitality with restaurants like Suelo and UNI. How do you integrate both?
It’s all art forms, you know! Restaurants, from interior design to the culinary experience, are like music and painting, aiming to evoke specific emotions in guests. As an entertainer, I enjoy creating memorable experiences and sharing them with others. With Suelo and UNI, we have created experiential brands that aim to communicate an emotion in every aspect, from cuisine, content to interior design. From the branding to the execution, each brand will take guest on a journey – to Spain and Japan.
What inspired you to create Suelo? How does it differentiate itself from other restaurants in the city?
When I return to Paris from my travels, I often find the restaurant offerings quite similar. Many places with a great atmosphere lack exceptional food, and I don’t want to choose between the two. That’s why, with my partners, we decided to open Suelo and Uni. We aim to bring the excellence and culinary savoir-faire of Japan and Spain to Paris, while offering a fantastic ambiance. We have pushed it even further with the cocktails menus which will not only use iconic produces but will also reflect the culture of each country. At Uni the cocktails are inspired from ancient Japanese tales and use ingredients such as shiso, wasabi and sparkling sake. It’s about enjoying every single aspect of the experience.
Both Suelo and UNI fuse music, art, and gastronomy. How does this combination enhance the customer experience?
All these elements are complementary; together, they create the ultimate voyage. When you travel abroad, all your senses are engaged in something different, new, and exciting—from sight and scent to taste. We aim to create that multi-sensory experience in each venue to truly take guests on a journey, a getaway. For example, Suelo has a bespoke scent, complemented by a carefully curated playlist that evoke the warm and joyful atmosphere of the Spanish coast. The restaurant also features many artworks that echo Spain, a wall sculpture inspired from the Park Guëll in Barcelona, a sea-inspired hand-painted mural and Picasso like paintings by Andres Valencia.
We dare say that Suelo will become a meeting point for celebrities you have worked with, such as Travis Scott, Beyoncé, and Pharrell. What are your thoughts?
We want to provide an amazing experience for all our guests. I am very fortunate to know fantastic creatives and entertainers who share the same passion and are very excited about these openings. We all look forward to sharing friendly moments around great food and music.
Do you have plans to expand your presence in hospitality or pursue new projects in other fields?
Absolutely. The idea is to bring other culinary experiences to Paris! We want to continue offering unique journeys to Parisians, with different concepts inspired by various parts of the world. Every night, you could be traveling to a different country while never leaving the city!
