By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
Driven by curiosity and a deep connection to culture, DJ AXL has built a distinctive sound that weaves traditional Egyptian, Saidi, and Nubian musical elements into Afro House, Organic House, and Melodic Electronic music. Rather than simply combining genres, he focuses on preserving the character of these traditional sounds while introducing them to a contemporary electronic context, an approach rooted as much in respect for his heritage as in musical experimentation.
This week, DJ AXL joins NileFM's &ldquo;DJ of the Week&rdquo; for a one-hour set at 10:00 pm, delivering a mix of rhythmic and melodic electronic sounds that reflects his evolving sonic direction.
In this exclusive NileFM interview, DJ AXL takes us behind the decks to explore the journey that shaped his sound, the challenges of blending traditional instruments with electronic production, and the storytelling and emotional movement that guide his sets. He also reveals what listeners can expect from his upcoming projects and performances.
Take us behind DJ AXL. What should listeners know about you beyond the music?
Beyond the decks and the studio, I&rsquo;m deeply driven by curiosity and culture. My love for rhythm actually started during my childhood in Qatar, where watching traditional live percussion at holiday celebrations completely fascinated me. Off the clock, I&rsquo;m someone who appreciates the simple things, enjoying a good cup of coffee, diving into great cinema, and finding continuous inspiration in the world around me to bring back into my sound.
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You specialise in Afro House, Organic House, and Melodic Electronic music. What drew you to these genres in particular?
What drew me to these genres is their organic human core. As I grew older and fell in love with house music, I realized these genres offered the perfect bridge to blend two things I&rsquo;m passionate about: authentic, traditional percussion and modern electronic energy. Afro and Organic House allows me to take rich rhythmic roots and elevate them into a contemporary context.
You blend your sets with powerful Arab voices and sounds. What do you want your audience to feel or take away from your music?
I want them to feel a deep sense of connection, nostalgia, and elevation. Vocal textures carry soul, history, and emotion. When integrated into an energetic electronic track, they create a bridge between heritage and modern club culture, making listeners feel something meaningful on the dance floor beyond just the beat.
You combine electronic beats with traditional Egyptian, Saidi, and Nubian musical elements. What challenges do you face when bringing these different sounds together?
The biggest challenge is balance. Traditional instruments like Saidi drums or Nubian scales have unique, organic timings and frequencies that don't naturally fit rigid digital grids. The goal is to make the fusion feel seamless and respectful to the original heritage, rather than forcing a heavy electronic beat over a delicate acoustic sound.
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What is the main idea, emotion, or feeling that guides you whenever you create a new set?
Storytelling and movement. I aim to take the listener on a complete emotional arc, starting with a grounded energy, building momentum, and ending on a high note that leaves them feeling refreshed and full of good energy.
As Nile FM&rsquo;s DJ of the Week, what surprises have you prepared for our listeners?
I&rsquo;ve put together a very special summer-infused set that reflects my recent sonic direction. It starts with deep, rhythmic Afro-tech grooves, transitions smoothly into some indie flavors, peaks with high-energy tech house, and finishes with an uplift that sets a perfect mood.
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You have carved out a distinctive sound that reflects your Egyptian identity. How do you choose the voices, instruments, and sounds that best express that identity?
Selection comes down purely to authenticity and gut feeling. I look for vocal stems and traditional instrumentation that evoke genuine emotion. Whether it's a raw Nubian vocal texture or classic Middle Eastern percussive elements, I choose pieces that honor local culture while translating naturally into global dance floors.
Take us back to the beginning of your journey. How has your approach to creating sets evolved since your first one?
In the beginning, it was mostly about technical execution and playing great tracks. Over time, my approach evolved from just mixing songs to curating an immersive experience. I now focus much more on tension, release, and reading the subtle energy shifts of the room.
How do you adapt your sets to different audiences, venues, and atmospheres?
It&rsquo;s all about emotional flexibility while staying true to my core sound. Whether I&rsquo;m playing an intimate beach club or a major festival stage, I keep my signature identity, but I tweak the drive, tempo, and energy dynamics to match the venue's natural vibe.
What upcoming projects or collaborations can your fans look forward to?
Now I&rsquo;m gearing up for the Chill O'posite Festival on 8 October 2026, where I&rsquo;ll be playing a B2B set with M&ouml;W on the Bayati Showcase stage. Plus, we have a stream of fresh releases lined up that I can&rsquo;t wait to share with everyone.
Photo Credit: DJ AXL's official page

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