Meet the Music Curators: Middle East-Based DJs To Know

by Alexandra Mansilla

Meet the Music Curators: Middle East-Based DJs To Know

3 Jul 2024

The Middle East is brimming with talented individuals (we are constantly amazed by just how many there are — it seems impossible to highlight them all), and among them are a lot of incredible DJs. So, we are kicking off a series of articles to spotlight the coolest DJs in the region. They will be featured in no particular order — this isn’t a ranking, just a showcase of the talented and inspiring people who curate the music we listen to at events.

Shef Codes

Born in Sri Lanka and based in Dubai, Shefan Lantra, known as Shef Codes, has been DJing for 20 years. Over his career, he has shared the stage with international stars like Nicki Minaj, Lloyd, Shaggy, Kardinal Offishal, Cassidy, Robin S, and Karl Wolf, as well as top DJs including Whoo Kid, Young Guru, Tony Touch, Jazzy Jeff, Green Lantern, Clinton Sparks, Cutee B, and Sake. In 2023, Shef Codes was chosen to open for Chris Brown at the Etihad Park in 2023 for the Formula 1 After Party.

Why Shef? Partly because it is short for Shefan, and partly because he wanted to be a chef when he was a kid! Read his full story here.

Bazzzuk

Syuzanna Sargsyan, a Dubai-based DJ with Armenian roots, knows how to captivate a crowd with her diverse, multi-genre DJ sets. Whether she is spinning fast-paced tracks packed with heavy percussion and wicked grooves, or digging up sensual, bass-heavy beats from the corners of the globe, Syuzanna brings a unique flavour to the turntables. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of legends, from Wu-Tang Clan to K Hand, Syuzanna’s infectious energy and love for music electrifies the room, making every set a night to remember.

She is also a resident at Analog Room and co-founder of Dancewerk (a Dubai-based electronic club series that explores grooves from the past and beyond).

Instagram: @bazzzuk

Baloo

Ahmad AlAmmary, known as Baloo (or "Eternally Curious-House Music-Culture-Design-Gelato" on Instagram), is a Saudi house DJ and producer whose career dates back to the mid-1980s. Starting as a record collector, he began mixing tracks in 1997 and quickly became a key player in the Saudi electronic music scene. Baloo's sets are known for their deep, groovy, and percussive vibes, heavily influenced by the house scenes in Washington DC and New York.

Currently, Baloo is the CCO of MDLBEAST, a major force in the Middle Eastern music industry. MDLBEAST is renowned for organising massive music festivals like SOUNDSTORM and promoting cultural exchange through music.

Instagram: @a_baloo

Cascou

Cascou is a Kuwaiti DJ making waves in Dubai’s dance scene. He is part of the Radio AlHara family and frequently travels between Kuwait and Dubai for gigs at fine dining spots and exclusive fashion parties. Cascou’s sets blend nostalgic and modern grooves, reflecting his unique style that draws from the Seventies while staying contemporary. Known for his vibrant and eclectic performances, he has become a notable figure in the region’s nightlife.

Instagram: @casa.cascou

Karrouhat

Was it obvious that Basil Alhadi would be on this list? Absolutely. DJ Karrouhat is a Kuwaiti-born, Dubai-based DJ and multi-talented artist. He kicked off his career by blending 90s Arab music with international sounds, creating unique and energetic sets. Known for his eclectic style and vibrant performances, Karrouhat mixes nostalgic Arab tunes with modern beats. He is a true ambassador of Arab music.

Once, he told us about his inspiration: “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.”

Instagram: @karrouhat

Noor

Noor’s only been DJing for two years, but it feels like way longer. He has taken the Dubai club scene by storm and now you can find him everywhere: playing at The Giving Movement stage at SoleDXB, Hypebeast’s BRED Festival in Abu Dhabi, Wireless Festival, and The Meydan World Cup Concert.

Known for his fresh RnB, Afrobeat, and Hip Hop sets, Noor The DJ has been handpicked to play at some of the UAE’s biggest events, including Hypebeast’s BRED Festival in Abu Dhabi, Wireless Festival, and The Meydan World Cup Concert.

But here is the twist: Noor actually studied pharmacy and worked as a pharmacist before becoming a DJ. Check out his full story here.

Ronin

Ronald Hajjar is a major player in the regional electronic music scene, known for his vibrant presence both on and off the stage. Hailing from Beirut, he has made a big impact not just locally but across Europe and the Middle East as well.

Kicking off his career in the early 2000s as part of the duo Ronin & Nesta, Ronald has crafted a unique sound that mixes modern and classic house music, earning a loyal following.

With 15-year residencies at top spots like The Basement Beirut, NRJ, Mix FM, überhaus, The Garten, The Grand Factory, CLOSR, and The Ballroom Blitz, he has perfected the art of setting the right vibe, whether it is an early evening warm-up or a late-night session. He has also shared the stage with icons like Sonja Moonear, Apollonia, and Derrick May.

Parvané

Dubai-based Parvané, of French-Iranian heritage, started her career at 17 (read about her first gig here) and quickly gained a social media following as a DJ, model, and creative consultant. She has collaborated with a wide range of local and international brands, showcasing her talents both behind the camera as a creative director and photographer, and in front as a model and DJ.

As a DJ, Parvané’s sound reflects her multicultural roots, blending genres like Miami Bass, Breakbeat, Electronic, House, UK Garage, and Brazilian Funk. Her eclectic sets highlight her versatility and expose audiences to new and exciting sounds.

In 2023, she launched Joon Collective, a music collective dedicated to bringing international beats to local dance floors.

Somalie

Somalie is a DJ and producer from Dubai, UAE, born to Somali immigrants. Growing up in the multicultural desert environment exposed him to diverse cultures, traditions, and, most importantly, a wide range of musical influences from around the world. This rich tapestry of sounds is clearly reflected in his productions and DJ sets.

Instagram: @somaliedxb

Wass

Wassim Bou Malham, known as Gharam Electric, is a co-founder of Factory People, the creative minds behind Beirut’s hottest clubs like The Grand Factory, AHM, Isolé, and Reunion. Wassim first gained attention with his band Who Killed Bruce Lee, a standout in the Lebanese indie dance scene.

Wassim's current project, Gharam Electric, is all about blending traditional Arabic music with modern electronic beats. His style mixes funk, jazz, electronic, hip-hop, and R&B with Arabic lyrics, creating a unique and innovative sound. He has also launched YA BOY Records to bring new and revolutionary sounds to the Arab dance music scene.

Instagram: @wassim_bou_malham

by Alexandra Mansilla