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InterviewPeopleMusicSaudi Arabia

by Alexandra Mansilla

Many Facets Of Voice, Many Stories It Tells: Meet Saudi Artist DJ Mubarak

13 Mar 2025

DJ Mubarak, a rising Saudi artist, is making waves in the music scene. He began his journey by recording covers of well-known songs (check them out on his Instagram) while simultaneously writing and composing his own music.
One of his tracks was featured on Rap Shar3, a platform dedicated to showcasing emerging rappers and street performers from across the MENA region, and quickly captivated listeners. And recently, Spotify spotlighted him in RADAR Arabia, a programme that supports emerging local talent.
How did DJ Mubarak begin his journey with cover songs? What music has influenced him? What message does he convey through his songs? And by the way — who is the small guy in his Spotify profile photo? Let’s hear all the answers straight from him.
— Hello! On your Spotify page, we see a childhood photo of you. How old were you in that picture? What is the story behind it?
— I was about 12 years old in that photo, a special moment for me when my personality and artistic vision were just beginning to take shape. Looking back, it was a time full of curiosity and grew my confidence in expressing myself creatively.
— Can you tell us a bit about your family? How did your family react when you first decided to pursue music? Were they supportive, or did it take time for them to understand your passion?
— At first, when I first started exploring music, my family didn’t think much of it. To them, it was more of a hobby but not something that would really go anywhere. I don’t think they ever imagined it would turn into something bigger to the level it is at today. But as my passion for music grew, they started seeing my potential, offering important advice on how to nurture this talent and channel it through official music entities to benefit from this growth.
— Growing up, what kind of music influenced you the most? Were there any artists or genres that shaped your sound? Has your upbringing influenced your music in any way?
— Definitely! The traditions and culture I grew up with had a huge impact on my music and creative identity. Growing up, I never stuck to one genre of music, I listened to all kinds of music from different artists, helping me build a strong memory of different rhythms and melodies. This played a big part in developing my sound into one that feels both authentic and unique to Saudi Arabia, resonating with audiences beyond the Arab world.
— You have done a lot of covers. Do you remember when you first started doing them?
— Cover songs were actually my way into the music industry and a real turning point for my career. It gave me the chance to try out different styles and put my own touch on each song. Some artists even reached out to express how much they loved my take on their songs.
— Your song حزين الوقت (which translates to Sad Time) is your most-streamed song on Spotify. What is the story behind it? Who (as I understood, it is addressed to someone) or what inspired it?
— This song is really close to my heart. It blends a range of emotions with traditional Saudi Arabian Ghazal flair, reflecting my own artistic personality. This song stands out in the music world because of the stages the song has gone through. It is not directed at anyone in particular; it is about expressing those deep feelings through my music in a very artistic way.
— Also, one of your most popular songs is أنا طاير (I am flying). What is it about? What was the inspiration behind it? And why do you think it resonated so much with listeners?
— It was an unexpected release from me to the music scene, and the production process of the song was smooth and effortless. I truly believed in its power and impact, so I didn't confine myself to anything specific with it or approach it in a conventional way. I thought outside the box, aiming to highlight its strengths and preserve the beauty of its simple musical progression.
— How did your collaboration with Turky Alabdullah & Majeed come about?
— I first came across Turky Alabdullah through social media and live streaming. I would listen to his music, and I instantly recognised his incredible talent and unique sound. Over time, I realised he had not only strong artistic abilities but also an amazing vocal range in both Arabic and English.
As for Majeed, I met him later, but I always knew him as an extraordinary talent who consistently surprised his audience with his special voice and performances. Together, we formed our own creative circle, blending contemporary music styles that genuinely resonated with many.
— How would you describe your sound in your own words? And do you see yourself more as a singer, a storyteller, or a writer? Or do you think those roles all blend together?
— My voice takes on different personalities with each stage and every song, so I don’t limit myself to a single style or category. I write and compose all my own songs, and I am involved in shaping the concept from the ground up, experimenting with different rhythms and melodies to make each piece truly my own.
— Do you feel your music represents Saudi youth culture? What message do you hope to send through your work?
— I believe my music resonates deeply because it reflects the vibrant youth culture of Saudi Arabia — it is bold yet respectful of our rich traditions. My goal is to serve as a vessel that showcases the authentic flavors of Saudi music through my unique style, presenting our culture to the world in a contemporary way while remaining true to our heritage.
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— Among all your songs, is there one that is particularly special to you? Why?
— I would say داوني (Downy. Ed. note: it hasn't been released yet) as it is one of those songs that blends so many different elements, rhythms, and melodies in a bold, modern way while celebrating the beauty of the Arabic language. In this song, I really pushed my vocal abilities, experimenting with everything from pure rap to R&B-inspired melodies, which is why it holds a special place in my heart.
— You were featured in Spotify’s RADAR Arabia this year! How did you first hear about it? And what does this recognition mean to you?
— RADAR Arabia was such a unique and exciting experience for me. It gave me the chance to speak openly, going beyond just the music. It allowed people to connect with me on a more personal level, understanding my personality, my way of thinking, and my communication style as an artist, which really helped strengthen my bond with my audience. This is a recognition that is close to my heart and continues to prove Spotify’s commitment to supporting emerging talent in the region.
— Do you think programmes like this are changing the way Middle Eastern artists gain global recognition?
— Definitely. There is a need for artists to strengthen their bond with their audience in a simple and authentic way, talk about their projects more clearly, and share details that fans might not know and RADAR Arabia is the perfect platform to achieve this. Built with a strong focus on spreading the voice of the Arab world, the program allows listeners to benefit from discovering new sounds while also giving artists the opportunity to be recognized both regionally and globally.
— How would you describe the music scene of the region you live in? And on that note — what is one song you can’t stop listening to right now?
— Riyadh, as the capital, is constantly evolving, and you can see that energy reflected in its music scene. Audiences here are vibing with fresh sounds that keep the essence of Saudi artists and the local dialect alive while blending seamlessly with global genres. It is a smart, creative fusion that stays true to our roots while opening doors to the wider music world and global genres.
When it comes to music, I’m always on the lookout for fresh sounds. A song that I can’t stop listening to right now is “Don’t Leave Me Like This” by Bobby Raps and Skrillex.
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