Under the Glasses. Another Story Of DJ Karrouhat, Told By Himself

by Alexandra Mansilla

Under the Glasses. Another Story Of DJ Karrouhat, Told By Himself

3 May 2024

Surprisingly, this interview barely delves into music or fashion. Instead, it could be seen as a personal message from Basil Alhadi to himself, his family, and his brother Shady. Explore the world of DJ Karrouhat, a side rarely revealed on social media.

— Hi Basil! We know that you are working on a new project. What is it?

— The new project… you know, when they say life goes all around in circles — it is working with me now. So, before speaking about the new project, it would be better to recall the story.

I embarked on my journey by writing songs, singing, and composing with my friends and neighbours, including Abdullah Sameer and my brother Shady. It was a fun project, but I underwent significant changes over the years. Although the essence was always there, I adopted various personas. Ultimately, my goal was simple: to express myself, whether through DJing, fashion shows, acting, or advertisements.

As a musician, I reached a point where I felt the need to make a radical decision. Leading a band felt like having a family, and I was the driving force behind it. But after moving to Dubai, I knew it was time to let go. My last show was in March 2016, and I completely stopped performing, even resisting any urge to return to the stage. It may sound negative, but music is like a lifelong virus once you catch it. Despite my earlier reluctance, I eventually found myself drawn back to it, driven by a curiosity for new paths.

One day, while with friends, I started experimenting with a melody, prompting their surprise. They couldn't believe that after all these years, I was reconsidering my stance. In my youth, I had a stubborn desire to remain underground, shunning recording and preferring live experiences. This unconventional approach extended even to DJing, where I seldom recorded sets unless it was a client requirement. It is just a part of who I am, a trait that defines my artistic journey.

When I was a kid, my dad and my family always called me the "engine" of the house because I was always moving and entertaining people. But I am tired of that character, to be honest. Being the entertainer is exhausting. So, I decided to start writing music again and spend more time in the studio, not just performing and DJing and expending energy because it is tiring, you know?

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

So, my new project consists of three projects. And all of them involve writing and composing music. The first one is going to be reggae, which is my roots.

The second project is based on where I grew up in South Kuwait. This side of Kuwait has a certain sound or music. And I am heavily inspired by it. So I am going to work on an EP for my legacy, I want to show this music to the world and to record this memory.

I am working with some people on this project. I told them, even the producers, to be careful because this is a precious thing for me. I don't even want to change it, you know? I don't want to make it new because I liked it that way. I want to make it exactly as it should be, you know? And I am selecting the team properly. I want to select the right people for it.

There is a funny story that again proves that life goes full circle. I used to have a manager about 10 years ago. Recently, he chatted with me, saying, "Yo, what's up with that thing you posted?" It was a reference that I use, a very Bedouin reference, and he got it, being from Kuwait originally. So, I shared this project and my dream with him. I showed him the deck and the creative presentation I put together for it. He looked at it and was like, "Bro, do you remember my dad?" Yeah, I remembered; he is still into music. That guy mentioned that his dad used to do Samrat, with his own unique style.

Soon, we had a chat with him. I sent over a demo of my recording. I just wanted his dad to hear it, my voice and all. The dad was straightforward, asking, "Who's this guy? I want to work with him." Then he sent me a song written, I think, back in 1986, if I am not mistaken, and composed it. He sent me multiple ones, but when I listened to one particular song, I was sold. I shared it with my friends, saying, "Hey, I'm taking this; it's going to be my song." And now, here I am, in this process, over a decade later, working with my ex-manager’s dad.

And the third project… I am going to keep it a secret!

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

— You have been involved in a lot of things — fashion, DJing, events, and more. That is a lot! How do you manage it all? How do you recharge when you feel like you are about to explode from everything?

— Being a DJ is one of the most exhausting jobs, actually. I have done so many things — I have an engineering degree, I worked in engineering, I was in oil and gas, and more — but I promise you, DJing is one of the toughest jobs. Especially the way I do it, because I do it in a very silly way. I let go of all my inhibitions, become very vulnerable and open, and export this energy. And it is not healthy.

I have been through a lot of stuff. I will be honest about that. But the simple answer to recharging is usually spending a lot of time alone, especially in recent years. My closest friends have come to understand this. However, I have lost many friends due to this change in my life. People thought I was developing an ego, but it is actually the opposite. I crave solitude because my life is so filled with noise. I have reached a point where I just can't deal with it anymore.

It is not about ego; those who know me personally understand that I am the opposite of that. But I do spend a significant amount of time alone. I try to meditate regularly and engage in deep conversations with friends. Nowadays, I am very meticulous about choosing friends. I try to surround myself with people outside of the creative scene or that path. I enjoy spending time with ordinary, down-to-earth individuals.

The truth is, what you see is real. I am not denying its authenticity; it is as real as it gets. However, I am still quite reserved. It is ingrained in me to hold back, whether it is with my band, DJing, or visuals. I don't fully expose everything. On a personal level, I have dealt with a lot — depression and various challenges. It is not pretty; it is a tough journey. But that is the reality of it.

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

— Can you share more about those periods?

— Okay, it is intense. I have experienced a lot of depression, and I would rather not delve into the details. It is not exactly pleasant. I understand that the path I have walked isn't the easiest or the most glamorous. While the end result may appear impressive, the journey to reach that point is far from simple. It has been tough.

For some reason, it is a difficult topic for me to discuss. Nevertheless, I am dealing with it with the help of therapists and other methods. I find solace in meditation and therapy sessions, which I make sure to incorporate into my routine. I am grateful to be closely connected to my roots; reminders on my phone and calendar help me stay grounded and remind me of who I am, where I come from, and what truly matters to me — my family and upbringing. Despite coming from a modest background with limited access to the best schools and resources, I have remained true to my origins. This authenticity translates into my work, which always emerges organically. I don't rely on secret plans or strategies; I simply follow my instincts and do things my way. It might sound cliché, but it is the only way to achieve something truly organic — to stay true to yourself and your vision.

— Without thinking about what others will think.

— Yeah. I have a major issue with the saying, "You have to think outside the box" when it comes to creativity. I find it quite unappealing. I believe it is perfectly fine to stay in the box, within your own realm, within the confines of your mind. There is nothing wrong with that. Just do what you know and love, and you will inevitably find people who resonate with it.

Through my journey, I have discovered that being able to entertain the people you care about is the most rewarding thing in the world. Whether it is during your solitary moments or in times of joy or sickness, it is those few individuals who matter most. When your time draws to a close, they are the ones who will be by your side. If you can connect with them on a deeper level through your creations, that is an unparalleled feeling.

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

— Did you ever experience a period where you forgot about your roots because of your fame?

— I promise you I am not striving to be a saint, but I don't think I have experienced something like that. Certainly, there have been some disconnects, but it wasn't anything major. I attribute everything to my family, honestly. They raised me in a unique and unconventional manner, which I appreciate immensely. As a child, I didn't fully comprehend why my dad, who worked in oil and gas, chose to send us to Arabic schools instead of the typical international ones frequented by oil and gas families. Our lifestyle was different from those around us; we lived in a compound with other families in the industry, and our experiences were distinct. Despite this, my parents instilled in us a sense of humility and groundedness, which has stayed with me throughout my life.

Sure, there have been moments of disconnection. For instance, when I walked in Paris Fashion Week, it was a monumental experience, but I felt somewhat disconnected from it all. I remember leaving the show, changing clothes, and sitting on a quiet street, texting my mom. It was an emotional moment, and while it was nice to have achieved something significant, I wished I could have shared it with loved ones. But my mom's response, her pride in me, brought me back to reality, grounding me once again.

My friend took a photo of me at that moment, and I remember him sending it to me the next day. He said, "This is you, and you never change." It was right after I had walked into that massive fashion show and then DJed at the after-party. It is still one of my favourite photos, capturing that moment perfectly.

Photo: Basil's personal archive

— Your brother Shady is an amazing artist. Can you describe your relationship when you were children and how it is now?

— Yeah, we are a big family. There are six of us siblings, three boys and three girls, including me. Shady is the closest to me. He went offline about two and a half years ago. He decided to fully disconnect from social media; he has an Instagram account but is completely inactive on it. That is just his character; he is an introverted person. I know he went through something and chose this path, which I respect and appreciate. I Iove him so much. He has a special place in my heart and my life.

He is younger than me, but he inspires me a lot, even though we haven't seen each other in a long time. Shady has very pure views of the world. Everything for him is very simple; he approaches life in a very innocent way, and I love that about him.

Our relationship is funny. When we were kids, we were like enemies, always fighting, and he was always quiet. He is still quiet now; you can travel with him for two weeks and hardly hear him say a word. We have so many inside jokes about him, and our relationship goes beyond just being brothers.

Shady pushed me to use the name Karrouhat; all the credit goes to him for that. This piece of art behind me is one of my favourites, and I never knew the story behind it until he told me about it. Now, I will tell you about it.

Instagram: @shadyalhady

The last time I left home and didn't go back, I was 17 years old. I moved to Amman, Jordan, to live with my grandmother. You know, I had many dreams at that age, and now, somehow, I am living those dreams. I left without even thinking about Shady. But he captured that moment. I am the guy in the plane, and he is that one on the ground.

He told me the story about four years ago when he produced this collection. He said, "Every time I hear a plane, I just run out of my home and wave because I thought you were in it and you'd see me." He produced the whole collection with that inspiration. That is why I bought this painting. Honestly, I cried so much when he told me this.

After all these years, I apologised. I said, "I'm so sorry I never gave you the attention or the feelings you deserved, but I was just a naive 17-year-old." I never thought of it that way, but he told me it was one of his biggest heartbreak moments. It seemed like the biggest trauma to him, but he healed through this.

And after that, we connected even more, and during those times, we were crazy connected, but this one was the biggest hurdle, I think, for him, and for me too. And after one year of this collection, he decided to just stop. But I know that he has this “virus”, and I know he is gonna return.

Shady and Basil Alhadi. Photo: Basil's personal archive

And definitely, he will. I promise you, honestly, not because he is my brother, but because he is one of the best artists in our Arab region. He is one of the realest artists; he is crazy creative. I know that.

There are so many brands, so many initiatives that are big now in the Middle East. You will always find Shady's name there, but he chooses to be hidden because he doesn't like to be in the front.

As I said, he is offline now. He doesn't even have WhatsApp. To reach him, I have to call the landline at my mom's. That is the only way to reach him. So he is definitely disconnected.

Shady chose the best for him and I respect his decision. But I wish he has the power to come back and actually show his stuff because this guy's unreal. He has a lot to show to the world.

Shady is a true legend. He is the legend behind so many people, so many creatives, including me. I love him to death. I am grateful to have him as a brother and as a friend in my journey. Thank you.

Shady and Basil Alhadi. Photo: Basil's personal archive

— Do you think he understands all of these about himself?

— I don't think he is close to realising that. He is way too far. I have talked to him many times, urging him to see his potential. But, hamdullah, at least he is content. We have this concept called "hamdullah concept" — being grateful for what we have. I didn't appreciate it when I was young, but now I do. My mom, uneducated, worked hard for us. Now, looking back, I understand it and am grateful to her.

— You mentioned in one of your interviews that you used to accompany your mom to wedding parties.

— That is one of the funniest stories, honestly. You know, when artists talk about their elaborate journeys, studying music, following producers, I have none of that. Zero access to everything. My inspiration? Those wedding parties in Kuwait and Jordan, where family entertainment was everything. That is why all my sets are like that. No thinking out of the box. Just the music from those weddings. I am not trying to change the scene. Just doing what my mom and dad told me as a kid.

And I am reflecting on that, honestly. I won't call it a secret, but it is the way to be authentic. Just do what you know best. Simplicity is the toughest thing on Earth. I have learned that. So, I am following the path of simplicity over complexity, trying to be as simple as possible in a complex setup. And yeah, this is where I show my true colours, my true self. But now, I hate going to weddings.

— Do you remember some weird traditions?

— The funniest part, or the worst, is when there is a slow song at weddings, and the groom and bride dance with a million layers of cake that always look shaky, especially at the weddings I used to attend, not the five-star ones. The cake is so huge, and there is always a part where they have to feed each other cake in a sweet way with their hands, but something funny always happens, like the cake dropping or a kid getting in the way. It is hilarious.

Another funny part is when they open the buffet. Usually, it takes an hour or two for people to go have dinner and come back, so there are always funny stories happening around these moments.

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

— Were there any contests?

— Yeah, there were a lot of dance competitions. I recall dancing to the song "Macarena." I practised it a lot at home because I knew it would be a hit at weddings. Once, when I heard that song, I even jumped on the stage, which you were not really supposed to do because it was a place for the bride and groom. I don't think they were too happy about it, but it was so funny.

And also I remember another tradition. Before you arrive at the venue, the groom's side shows off with a convoy of cars; the more, the better. It is like a power move, you know, to prove how great a husband he will be. Then, it is the bride's side's turn, and they do the same, with a convoy of cars and loud music blaring. Sometimes, even small cars get decked out with massive sound systems just for the occasion. They all parade through the streets in a loud procession. This is all very funny; I miss those days!

— You are the ambassador of Arabic music. Several years ago, you said: “People think Arabic music is not cool, and so they don’t want to be associated with it or dance to it.” Has something changed?

— Actually, a lot. You can easily see it — just open Instagram or TikTok, and Arabic music is everywhere. It is trending now.

I am not going to say I started this trend, but my manager and people around me know it. They always tell me about it. You know, I am happy that I inspired so many people to do this. But what I am confident about is my history. Everyone knows I have been doing this since day one, and I did it not because it was trendy; I did it because this is what I know. Now it is trendy as hell — everyone is doing it. If you want to actually make it big, just drop one Arabic beat in your song, and you are set.

Yeah, there has been a big change, and I am crazy proud of it. Yeah, sometimes, obviously, I feel... not jealous… it is not the right word. Sometimes I just feel... maybe irked because I don't like trendy things. I don't like what is happening now much, you know? So many of the current visuals were things Shady and I used to work on, like 10 or 15 years ago. And now it is all over. Everyone is using it! For some reason, I feel it is a bit abused, you know?

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

The same thing happens with a lot of fashion designers now. They don't even design; they just slap Arabic words on it, like "Oh, I'm a fashion designer." No, you are not; you don't even know how to do pattern cutting.

By the way, I swear to God, in 2006, Shady and I used to do T-shirts with Arabic stuff on them. We had a brand, and we used to do crazy, stupid stuff like phrases that my mom would say or a singer would say and put on T-shirts.

Then we bought printing machines for iPhone covers and imported them to Kuwait. It was not easy because we didn't have a company. We set up a room in my family's house. My mom was so mad because it was her storage room. With no one knowing, we called the brand Q8 Covers.

We started doing crazy covers with Arabic things on them. And we went viral in Kuwait! And again, we did it because this is what we knew. It was not about trends. We never went to an international school. I learned English at a very late stage of my life through YouTube. Like I never studied English in my life. And Shady, obviously, too.

— Okay, now — fashion. You seem to have a great passion for it. Could you describe what your wardrobe looks like? Is it as big as an apartment?

— Last year, something shifted for me. Before that, I used to hold on to a lot of stuff. But now, as I try to let go of things, I have come to believe in the power of simplicity. It might sound cliché, but I have realised that letting go of physical clutter can also help clear out emotional clutter.

My wardrobe used to be overflowing with all sorts of colours and styles, but now it is mostly filled with black. I have always loved this colour, and simplifying my wardrobe has made things easier. I used to enjoy collecting pieces, but now I am aiming for simplicity. I have even thought about bringing in a professional organiser to help me declutter further.

Despite my efforts, my closet is still quite extravagant, with shelves stacked with clothes, shoes, and sunglasses. I have a ridiculous number of sunglasses – I couldn't even tell you how many. There is a funny story about the time I had a meeting with my manager and then spontaneously decided to go sunglasses shopping. I ended up buying 23 pairs in one go! My manager was understandably baffled, but for me, sunglasses are more than just an accessory — they are a way to shield myself from the world.

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

— And now, I have a question: Why do DJs wear sunglasses while playing music in a nightclub? It is dark!

— Oh yes! It is the toughest because it is dark. And it is not comfortable with the headphones and cap. I have to remove it, put it back, remove it, put it back, but that is for my mental protection somehow. It is like a shield. I know that no one can see through me, especially my eyes. It is a personal choice. Even in Arabic, there is a saying that "eyes are the mirrors of the soul." My eyes reveal everything inside me, so wearing sunglasses gives me a sense of privacy and comfort.

— You said: “I want to reach a point where Karrouhat is not limited to just DJ and fashion. I aim to reach the street and to everyone. A stage where I can produce tea, pillows, and candles. That is my goal in life.” At what stage are you now?

— Wow, what a tough question. I have a technical answer. I think I am getting closer, technically, in terms of having a good, solid team, good management. It is a collective effort. Before, I used to do everything alone, which was fun at the time, but now, with a team, the vision is clearer. I know what I want to do.

I don't want to be just one thing. I want to do everything I can do until I die. I remember a childhood memory where I wanted to do everything in my life and be surrounded by people. I am scared to be in one form, which is why I don't record my sets or albums or focus solely on fashion. I have had experience in fashion and design since 2006, but I want to do more, like making perfumes or candles. I am trying to be more focused now, shrinking my circle to spend time with those who understand me. It is more than enough.

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

— So, it is kind of keeping silent now.

— I am silent now. I really don't go out much. But, actually, there was a funny story! My friend had an event, and she invited me to it. She is a singer and wanted me to support her. So I went. As soon as I walked in, a group of people started talking to me. One guy, who holds a big position in the music industry found out I make music and expressed interest. I explained I don't sign with agencies. Then, I spoke to another guy who didn't know me. When I mentioned I DJ, he said, "DJing is a tough job." He then told me about his favourite DJ, who he thought was the best. Turns out, he was talking about me! He didn't recognise me because of my new look without the moustache. It was hilarious! This story shows how private I am. I rarely go out, but when I do, funny things happen.

Now, I appreciate personal time a lot. I used to be scared of being alone before. But now I love it so much.

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

by Alexandra Mansilla