Recently, Arab DJs and producers have started getting more exposure and recognition, due in part to the exponential growth in the region's scene. Everything from experimental and left-field techno, to house and minimal, have started flourishing and expanding here and Arab artists have started leaving their mark, from playing abroad to making memorable appearances on shows and podcasts. We've gathered a list of pretty damn good sets by Arab DJs on esteemed European platforms...
Zeina - HDNSM
Egyptian DJ Zeina’s set on prominent London-based radio show HDNSM, reflects her dedication, hard work, and most importantly talent. The set will slowly suck you into her reflective minimal selection - one that would suit a club environment as much as home listening.
Adil Hiani - Kasheme
Although Adil decided to take a break from his DJ career, this set he played a year ago for Swiss Kasheme’s Livingroom Sessions is something from him that we won’t forget. It’s not like the rest of his sets, where he plays dance music; this one is a four-hour compilation of his favorite non-dance tunes, and it makes it clear that Adil is a taste-maker.
Zuli & Ismael - NTS Radio
This is what we’d call 'out of the box' if there was ever a non-cheesy way to use that phrase. Egyptian DJs and producers Zuli and Ismael’s set on London’s infamous NTS Radio, is combination of aggressive left field music that includes many tracks by Ismael, Nur and $$$TAG$$$. The one to listen to if you’re bored of traditional dance music.
Polyswitch - Red Light Radio
The leading Moroccan underground figure and founder of the soon-to-be launched Astrofever records, has in fact landed three performances on Amsterdam’s Red Light Radio, the most recent of which was late last year. This is your go-to morning set to start a fresh day. Expect anything from jazz to funk favorites, and prime house cuts.
Nesta - House Music With Love
DJ, producer, and label owner Nesta is a staple in Lebanon’s house music scene. In this set for Swedish radio House Music With Love, he plays a selection of jazzy house that is deep and dusty. Indulge.
Deena Abdelwahed - NTS Radio
Coming from a diverse musical background that ranges from funk and alternative to jazz, Abdelwahed has collected enough inspiration to deliver a unique set, that is versatile enough to work in both a club environment and a solitary time of psychedelic repose. Expect music from Tamer Abu Ghazaleh, Maryam Saleh, Maurice Louca, and Deena herself.
Adham Zahran - bloop.
This is Egyptian DJ and producer Zahran’s debut set in his new show Relics on London’s established electronic music radio station bloop. It starts out with an original laid back unreleased track from Zahran, called Pleasant View, and gets groovier and jazzier the more you delve into it.
Ma3azef W/Abadir - NTS Radio
Rami Abadir, Egyptian producer, sound artist and co-founder of Mapping Possibilities makes a guest appearance in ma3azef.com’s show on NTS Radio, playing a range of contemporary Arabic music by fellow producers like Zuli, Kareem Lotfy, Pie Are Squared, Ismael, and $$$TAG$$$.
Ahmed Samy - HDNSM
Samy was one of the earliest exporters of the Romanian minimal sound to Egypt, however in this HDNSM set, his sound is slightly steering towards an intricate house sound. Although it’s been four years since the set was out, it’ll definitely stand the test of time, because of the superb selection and flawless mixing.
Wave Particle Singularity - Soundterasse
The young Algerian talent showcases his infectious micro-house sound on Feeder Sound, a collective and record label out of Romania. Perfect set for pre-drinking before a night out.
Dina Khashan - NTS Radio
DJ and co-founder of party collective Nachtcrew, Dina records this mix in NTS’ studio located in London, in which she stays true to her techno club sound.
Yes’in - Input Selector
Moroccan artist and Cosmo Records signee Yes’in recorded this hypnotic techno set for French collective and party series input selector.
