Yam Who? was the DJ and producer name of Andy Williams, the London disco and house figure who co-founded Midnight Riot Records with Phil Rose (Jaegerossa) in 2012. He died in March 2025. Over more than three decades he was a promoter, label boss, producer, Mixmag’s disco editor and a much-loved DJ for Glitterbox, Horse Meat Disco and Ministry of Sound.
Yam Who? at a glance
- Real name: Andy Williams
- DJ debut: 1989, after starting out as a party promoter
- Labels: ISM Records (2009), Midnight Riot (2012, with Jaegerossa) and Black Riot
- Sound: disco, house, boogie, Afro and gospel
- Projects: Qwestlife with Tom Laroye, whose album Prophecy came out on Glitterbox in 2020
- Journalism: Mixmag’s disco editor and monthly columnist, 2016 to 2020
From promoter to producer
Andy Williams came into music as a party promoter and made his DJ debut in 1989. Yam Who? began as a duo with Des Morgan, before he carried the name on as a solo artist. His own releases came out on labels including Papa Records, Electric Minds and Ubiquity, and as late as 2023 he released One Night At The Disco.
Founding Midnight Riot
After launching ISM Records in 2009, he teamed up with Phil Rose, aka Jaegerossa, to start Midnight Riot in early 2012. The name was a nod to the London riots of the previous summer. The London label became a home for disco, boogie and house with real soul, and later spun off the sister label Black Riot. Read more about the label in our guide to Midnight Riot Records.
Compilations and artists
The label’s compilations were among its biggest successes, digging into disco from around the world, from Japan and Brazil to Africa. Titles such as Riot In Lagos and the Roller Boogie series won fans across the scene. His labels also released music by:
- Amp Fiddler (the 2017 album Motor City Booty)
- Robert Owens and Arthur Baker
- Eli Escobar and Soul Clap
- Michael Gray, Birdee and Hifi Sean
- Groove Assassin
In 2017 Mixmag named Midnight Riot one of the most influential disco labels of the decade.
On the decks
As a DJ, Yam Who? played for Glitterbox, Horse Meat Disco, Love International and Ministry of Sound, and at the Amsterdam Dance Event. His Qwestlife album Prophecy with Tom Laroye was released on Glitterbox, part of the Defected Records family.
A lasting legacy
His death was announced by Phil Rose on 6 March 2025, and tributes poured in from across the disco and house community. He is remembered as a selector with impeccable taste, a champion of other artists and a writer who helped bring disco culture to a new generation. Read the tribute on Resident Advisor.
Where to start listening
- Riot In Lagos, the Midnight Riot compilation of African disco and boogie
- The Roller Boogie compilation series
- Amp Fiddler, Motor City Booty (2017)
- Qwestlife, Prophecy (Glitterbox, 2020)
- Yam Who?, One Night At The Disco (2023)
Together these show the range of his taste: global disco crate-digging, Detroit funk, soulful house and modern disco made for big rooms and small basements alike. If you are new to his work, the compilations are the perfect way in, because they capture both his ear for forgotten records and his skill at sequencing them for the dancefloor.
Frequently asked questions about Yam Who?
Who was Yam Who?
Andy Williams, a London DJ, producer and label owner who co-founded Midnight Riot Records in 2012.
Who runs Midnight Riot?
The label was co-founded by Yam Who? and Phil Rose, aka Jaegerossa.
When did Yam Who? die?
His death was announced on 6 March 2025.
What was Qwestlife?
His duo with Tom Laroye, whose album Prophecy came out on Glitterbox in 2020.
Keep listening
Steve Bell plays soulful, deep and vocal house and disco across the UK, Ibiza and beyond. Catch his monthly DancersHip show and live sets, or see the media pack to book Steve for your event.
