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Meet the DJ Who Has Got Everyone Around the World Dancing to Arab Music

Dubai-based Kuwaiti-born songwriter and DJ, Basil Al Hadi who also goes by his stage name Karrouhat has taken the Arab music world by storm with his work. His contagious energy combined with his original soundscape get partygoers dancing all night. Though his relationship with music goes way back, his creative vision has gone beyond it to earn him multiple collaborations with luxury brands. We caught up with the DJ to get a glimpse into his world, find out what’s next for him, and more.

Karrouhat. Supplied

What makes you stand out?

I think staying original and being honest with myself — I always follow my heart. I represent myself and the region I come from so I always try to not get lost in life. I have a reminder in my calendar that says “Be grounded. Stay original. No ego.” I always put a lot of energy and love doing what I do. Even if its a simple conversation, I give it all my attention. I also think that having good energy, and really loving people is definitely well-received and appreciated.

What influences you?

The streets and people around me. Moreover, I look back to where I grew up. I also always go for cruises and walk around because I love discovering new things all the time. Every time I find something, I find inspiration from it.

Karrouhat. Supplied

What about mixing international music and Arab soundscape excites you?

I am originally from the Middle East and I grew up listening to Arab music. I really enjoy it and have been dancing to it since I was a child so I know exactly how to deal with it and mix it with any music. Arab music is a very generic word because there are a lot of genres in it. It is exciting to me because personally, it makes me dance and feel a lot of emotions. For me, DJ-ing in a party is about rocking the dance floor. I invest a lot of energy when I DJ that’s why I take breaks between Karrouhat Parties because I need this time.

How has the Middle Eastern music industry evolved?

The history of music here goes way back in time. It is and has always been very rich but there might have been some times when there was not enough spotlight on it. I decided to take responsibility and join all the other musicians in spotlighting Arab music and have been working to represent Arabic music since 2008.

Karrouhat at Vogue Arabia’s 2nd Anniversary Party. Supplied

What do you think people get wrong about Arab music?

People think Arabic music is not cool and so they don’t want to be associated with it or dance to it. Although, I believe that they do when they’re by themselves. People also think that DJs who play Arabic music, such as myself are not cool enough! But I am so happy that now we are representing this music and that now everyone wants to listen to and play Arabic music. Even DJs from different regions now want to play it. Recently, at a few of my parties, I have noticed DJs either Shazam the music or come and ask me the name of the track.

Karrouhat. Supplied

You take a lot of fashion risks, who is your style icon?

I never name specific people because I really really follow my heart and what I genuinely like. I have a very specific taste I think, and what I’m good at, is reading this taste clearly in me. Which helps me showcase it as it is so that it looks unique and different which people might consider risky but some appreciate it and they think it’s somehow pioneering and forecasting.

Karrouhat. Supplied

What’s the future got in store for you?

I’m going international now. With respect to DJ-ing, a world tour is coming soon since I’m getting bookings from all around the world. And with respect to fashion, big international collaborations and campaigns are in the works. For the first time, I walked for a major brand in Paris Fashion Week as a model.

One of my biggest aspirations is to find funds for my music projects because I have a lot of songs written and composed. I’m only waiting for someone to believe in this side of me and to produce this work and put it out for the world.

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