Crowd Test Is Back: Who Is Taking the Stage?

by Alexandra Mansilla

Crowd Test Is Back: Who Is Taking the Stage?

5 Feb 2025

The first Crowd Fest, which we held last November, was incredible. No, scratch that — it was mind-blowing. Music and art filled every corner of the space, friends reunited, guests smiled, laughed, and danced all night.

So, will the next Crowd Fest be even better? Absolutely.

And the best part? It is happening very soon — in just 10 days, on February 15, at Helipad. We are pretty sure you have already marked your calendars and are counting down the days (because we are).

We have already put together a guide on what to expect at the festival, but today, let’s focus on the performers. Who is hitting the stage this time? Let’s dive in.

Grab the tickets

Ata

Ata, aka Athanassios Macias, is a Frankfurt legend — artist, producer, club owner, and all-around cultural force. If you know anything about the city’s electronic music scene, you have definitely felt his influence.

Back in the ‘90s, he co-founded Ongaku Musik, Klang Elektronik, and Playhouse — record labels that helped shape Germany’s electronic sound. But he didn’t stop there. In 1999, he opened Robert Johnson, an intimate club in Offenbach, Frankfurt-Am-Main, that became a global institution for electronic music lovers, known for its insane sound system and minimalist aesthetic.

Ata’s influence goes way beyond the club scene. He even brought his signature sound to Boiler Room, throwing down a killer back-to-back set with Gerd Janson at the Give Love Back event in Frankfurt. The energy was unreal, and the set only reinforced what everyone already knew — Ata is a tastemaker who knows exactly how to move a crowd.

Ata isn’t just about music, though. He’s got a serious passion for food, fashion, and design. He’s behind spots like Club Michel and Plank Café-Bar-Studio, where music, art, and great food come together. Whether it’s behind the decks, in a kitchen, or curating creative spaces, Ata keeps pushing culture forward — always with style, always with soul.

Lipelis

With over 20 years behind the decks, Lipelis (Dekmantel Selectors participant) is nothing short of a legend in the Russian dance scene. He has played across the globe, digging deep into underground sounds and rare vinyl gems. Now, he is bringing his signature eclectic energy straight to Dubai — get ready for a set packed with the best of what the underground has to offer.

Lipelis

Kito Jempere

Artist, producer, and the undisputed "King of Collaborations", — Kito Jempere has worked with everyone from DFA and Haddaway to Jimi Tenor and Red Snapper. For more than two decades, he has been experimenting with sound, constantly pushing boundaries. But that is not all — Kito is also the Creative Director of Sandy Times Radio (STR), a platform that is expanding the UAE’s music community and bringing fresh sounds to the region. Expect something unexpected — Kito never plays it safe.

Kito Jempere

Whoisbibz

Whoisbibz, aka Habib Chaoul, is a music producer straight out of Beirut, Lebanon. He jokingly describes himself as "bored and raised in Beirut with an obvious identity crisis," and that playful yet introspective energy runs through his music. His work dives deep into self-discovery and acceptance, blending sounds that feel both personal and universal.

You might have caught him spinning at The Ballroom Blitz in Beirut or even on Boiler Room, where he’s brought his signature sound to a global audience. And if you are looking for more, his latest tracks and mixes are up on SoundCloud — definitely worth a listen.

Whoisbibz

Hani J

A music collector, artist, music programming director of STR, co-founder of Dancewerk, and all-around vibe curator. You will catch him holding it down at Gallery and Boogie Box, where he blends a refined yet effortlessly cool sound for both local and international crowds. He also co-hosts Palitronics, an online radio show, and teams up with The Flip Side for Astral Travelling, a project that dives deep into the more eclectic, cosmic corners of electronic music. Whether it’s on the decks or on the airwaves, Hani J always delivers something special.

Hani J. Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

by Alexandra Mansilla