Spin the Decks: Middle East-Based DJs To Know

Live:STR SELECTIONS

by Alexandra Mansilla

Spin the Decks: Middle East-Based DJs To Know

3 Aug 2024

Not long ago, we compiled a list of DJs based in the Middle East. Naturally, we couldn't fit all the talented names in one go. So, we decided to make these texts regularly. Here is the second part.

Jeftin James

Meet Jeftin James, a Dubai-based DJ who started off as an engineer by education but never really worked as an engineer. Instead, he chased his passion for music and it paid off big time. Back in 2008, he snagged the top spot in the first season of Masters of the Mix in Dubai, thrown by UAE's City 101.6, and he has been spinning decks ever since. Alongside Aaron Ferns, he co-founded Stick No Bills — a cool venture where they throw events and get people to dive into the music.

Daddybisht

Daddybisht isn’t just any DJ; he is a Palestinian powerhouse with Saudi roots who is all about that house music life. Over the years, he has mixed up a unique style that is all his own, blending minimal, electro, groovy, and funky beats that are absolutely irresistible on the dance floor.

Eli Atala

Eli Atala, straight out of Beirut, has been rocking the house music scene since the 90s. Whether it is at top clubs or massive festivals, his joyful, smooth house mixes have kept feet moving on dance floors all over the world.

Klôrofil

From Beirut, we have Klôrofil, who brings the essence of the natural world into her beats. Imagine the energy of photosynthesis but in music form, energising and healing the dance floor. With each set, she transforms the vibe, blending dance rhythms with trippy beats as the resident DJ at Ballroom Blitz.

EYJEY

EYJEY is definitely one to watch in the electronic music world. He has been making waves with his fresh takes on hits and classic tracks, catching the ears of big names in the industry. From SoundCloud edits of The Weeknd and Chris Brown that DJs globally spin to smashing it at HypeBeasts’ BRED festival in Abu Dhabi and opening for Big Sean, he is on fire.

KLO | Chloé Barakat

Chloé Barakat, also known as KLO, is an Armenian-Lebanese music producer lighting up Dubai with her musical prowess. Originally from Beirut, her journey began with the violin, leading her through disco bangers in London to the 90s UK acid and old-school house scene. Today, she has graced stages at places like Phonox, Egg, Retrogroove, and Uberhaus, sharing the spotlight with icons like Sama' Abdulhadi and Jamie Tiller.

Kevork Keshishian

Kevork Keshishian, a self-taught multidisciplinary artist from Beirut now based in Dubai, shifted from high school and a brief stint as a diamond setter to pursue his passion for music. His journey led to a successful DJ career in Dubai’s top clubs, earning him a gold medal at the 2013 Jeux De La Francophonie for an audio-visual collaboration with Eye See Experience. Kevork has since held residencies at major venues like "40Kong" and "EDEN Beach Club." In 2018, he revisited his early interest in drawing, exploring new artistic styles. By 2019, he co-founded "Gallery" with Paulo Martinez, a venture blending visual and musical arts.

by Alexandra Mansilla