When you think of a DJ, you might picture flashing lights, pounding bass, and a packed crowd. But for Ahmed Hidar, better known by his stage name, DJ Black, it’s something deeper. His music is more than sound; it’s a story, a cultural bridge, and a heartbeat that brings people together. Enigma’s Reham Adel had the chance to sit down with Hidar to talk about music, culture, and identity.
Known for blending traditional Middle Eastern rhythms with modern electronic music, DJ Black isn’t chasing fame but feelings. “I didn’t start my musical career because I wanted fame,” he says. “Music was always my haven, my way of connecting with people. Growing up, I saw how a single beat could shift the energy of an entire room.”
His passion for music took root early, but one moment changed everything. “The first beat that grabbed me was the African drum,” he recalls. “It was so original and deeply rooted, and it just made my heart race. I first heard it at a friend’s gathering and thought, ‘This is more than sound; this is life.’ I’ve been chasing that high ever since, but instead of just looking for it, I’ve learnt how to create it for others.”
DJ Black’s sets are known for their emotional build-ups and unpredictable twists, often weaving together traditional instruments with modern beats. “I’d describe my sound as deep bass layered with Middle Eastern melodies. It’s where I live musically. I want people to remember that moment when the beat drops and the whole room moves in sync, when culture and sound come together to create something timeless.”
For him, DJing goes far beyond simply playing tracks; it’s about storytelling. “Every set has a beginning, a climax, and an end,” he explains. “It’s storytelling, it’s therapy, and it’s chaos too. That’s what makes it magic: people come to let go of their stress and emotions. It’s chaos because anything can happen in a live set. But together, it’s beautiful.”
One of his most memorable experiences was performing at Enigma’s 12th Celebration of Arab Glamour and Success in Beverly Hills. “That night was unforgettable,” he says with pride. “To be surrounded by so many inspiring Arab creatives and leaders in Beverly Hills, representing success on a global stage, was powerful. It wasn’t just about music, but it was about culture, pride, and proving that our community belongs everywhere.”
While his sound continues to evolve, DJ Black stays deeply rooted in where he comes from. His heritage isn’t just part of his music; it is the music. “The rhythms run in my veins, the philosophy keeps me grounded in authenticity, and the responsibility pushes me to showcase my heritage in a way that makes my people proud.”
Lately, DJ Black has been experimenting with sounds most people wouldn’t expect to hear in a club. “I’ve been layering traditional oud riffs over heavy electronic basslines. It’s not something people anticipate in a club, but when it hits, it feels fresh and deeply familiar.”
Despite the rise of AI and algorithm-driven music, DJ Black believes nothing can replace the human connection behind the decks. “AI can predict patterns and trends, but it can’t feel a crowd’s heartbeat. A great DJ knows when to break the rules, when to surprise the audience, and when to hold back.”
Always pushing his sound forward, DJ Black has his eye on new horizons. One of his biggest dreams is performing alongside live traditional musicians in real time. “Blending electronic sets with traditional instruments on stage is risky because it’s unpredictable, but that’s exactly what makes it exciting.”
Staying relevant in such a fast-paced industry isn’t easy, but for DJ Black, the secret is curiosity. “I listen to everything from underground producers to classical compositions, but I always come back to my core: blending culture, rhythm, and energy. Trends come and go, but authenticity lasts.”
And his advice to aspiring DJs trying to break through? “Don’t chase fame or virality,” he says. “It’s really about consistency, resilience, and connecting with people. The gigs, the followers—they come and go. But if you can make one person’s night unforgettable, you’re already ‘making it’.”