Waqas Qadri: "I always return to the place where I grew up as a child"
Waqas Qadri, 50, singer, rapper, and songwriter—a member of the band Outlandish. Lives in Mørkhøj. Follow Outlandish on @outlandish
1. When does Copenhagen feel most like your city?
“That's what happens in the spring. There's a very special atmosphere in the city; it's as if the people are blossoming just like the flowers and trees. There's hope and positivity in the air.”
My guilty pleasure is 100% a shawarma from Strøg Shawarma—preferably after midnight. It’s terrible to sleep on, but it tastes heavenly, so we often do that when we’re back in Copenhagen after a show out of town.
2. What place in the city do you always return to?
"I'm a bit of a nostalgic, so I always find myself returning to the place where I grew up as a child in the 1980s: Anne Katrinesvej in Frederiksberg. Every now and then, I sneak into the courtyard, which is a little oasis of a backyard setting, complete with tall trees and a grassy area. In general, I’m a big fan of Copenhagen’s backyards—they’re like a quiet ecosystem in the middle of the city."
3. What’s your best tip for a unique musical experience in Copenhagen?
"Open mic nights are practically nonexistent in Copenhagen, but there’s a little gem of a café on Rantzausgade called Tjili Pop —a small, chaotic oasis from another era, super retro, and incredibly cozy. They usually have some open mic sessions that are super cool. There’s barely any room for the musicians, but that’s also what makes it cool—you play on the venue’s terms. More of that in Copenhagen, please."
Waqas' favorite music spot: Tjili Pop
With My Copenhagen, we take you on a surprising journey through the city, where well-known Copenhageners share their hidden gems.
4. What hidden gem is almost too good to share?
"I think most of Copenhagen’s hidden gems aren’t really hidden anymore. The city has been thoroughly explored, but when it comes to history, you can rediscover many hidden gems that are right under everyone’s noses. For example, I listen to the podcast Kend Din By and often pass through busy areas of the city, but there might just be a historical detail or event that took place right there—something most people don’t notice. Especially in the city center, there are small alleys that are steeped in history.”
5. Which metro station is your favorite?
“I don't have a favorite, but I love how quickly you can go from a Nørrebro vibe to getting off at, say, Marmorkirken and finding yourself in a completely different world. I use the Metro almost every day and think it's a fantastic initiative. Cityringen is definitely more aesthetically pleasing than the others.”
From Nørrebro to Marmorkirken: 7 minutes
Experiences with the Metro
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