For Saudi artist Majid, music has always been about connection. From trading cassettes with friends as a kid, to shaping communities around sound, his journey into electronic music has been an ongoing exploration into different cultures and dance floors. Today, as a DJ, producer and co-founder of Lymm Collective, he’s one of the figures helping define the sound and identity of Saudi Arabia’s blossoming electronic music scene. And with that, his participation extends way beyond the DJ booth.
Majid’s first encounters with electronic music came from a shared curiosity amongst friends. His career in the industry would come later, following a move across continents. It was a natural progression, moving organically ever since the early days of discovery. “It all began with collecting cassettes and CDs and sharing music with friends from a young age. In 2005, I discovered House & Techno, which opened the door to the world of electronic music for me. Attending events along with the love of sharing music made me realise that I wanted to be behind the decks myself – that’s when the journey toward becoming a DJ truly began.”
That realisation quickly expanded into an international education, as Majid began seeking out the clubs and cities that were shaping global dance culture. Journeys to the most influential dance floors only lit the fire further, inspiring him to explore further afield, his passion growing along the way. “The music scene in New York, Stereo in Montreal, Fabric in London and the early days of Ibiza all played a big role in shaping my musical taste and deepening my understanding of dance music culture.”
Majid’s sound has always carried traces of this global influence, but it was his move from the US to the Middle East that brought a changing direction in his artistic development, bringing clarity to his understanding of different scenes. Unlike the audiences of New York and London, who were already accustomed to decades of dance music, the crowds in Saudi Arabia were only just starting to encounter it. This brought with it a challenge that he welcomed with open arms. “The journey is always evolving and with it, so does the sound. Moving to the Middle East definitely brought a shift in perspective. The audience here had less exposure to electronic music, so I had to adapt – playing more classics, for instance, to help introduce and educate newer listeners. It taught me a lot about reading different crowds and respecting cultural context.”
That ability to adapt while staying true to his roots has become one of his biggest strengths. Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East have seen shifts in their musical landscape, with electronic music becoming increasingly central to youth culture. Majid has been at the heart of that transformation, knowing when to keep with the familiar classics and when to push forward with deeper cuts of the underground. “There’s a deep-rooted love for rhythm, drums and percussion in Saudi, so it was only a matter of time before house music resonated with the youth here. The scene has come a long way – the audience has matured, their taste has become more refined and there’s a real appetite now for quality electronic music.”
One of Majid’s most important contributions has been Lymm Collective, a project born from a simple idea: to create an inclusive community bound together by sound. No doubt this is a concept engrained since his first days of swapping music, carried through the years during his participation in different scenes. “Lymm started as an after-hours concept – an early morning, conscious gathering centered around comfort and sound. From the beginning, it was built on community values, creating a safe, welcoming space where people could connect through music. The vision is to foster inclusivity and also act as a cultural bridge, connecting scenes and artists from different parts of the world.”
For Majid, this bridging role is essential, not just as a curator of events, but as a representative of his region and its untapped creative energy. Opening doors for others remains a key element and whilst you’ll find established artists at their events, they are backed by deserved friends and residents, who share an equal passion in celebrating local sounds. When we asked him if he felt a responsibility to represent his region in some way, his motivation was clear. “We’re committed to spotlighting fresh talent, both international artists who bring new sounds to the region, as well as local or regional artists who deserve a platform. It’s all about creating connections and pushing the scene forward together.”
As the scene grows, Majid’s presence grows with it. He and the Lymm Collective have a packed agenda incoming, with international collaborations and a new platform already in the works. This constant pushing forward is exactly what an ever evolving scene needs and it proves a dedication that extends beyond the DJ booth. Despite the ever increasing responsibilities, Majid remains as passionate as he ever was. “There are some exciting projects on the horizon, including collaborations with Slapfunk and Red Dot. We’re also launching Lymm Record label, which will feature releases from artists like Tripmastaz, Lowris and Oliver Romero, among others.”
At every stage of his career, Majid has carried with him the same drive that first sparked back in his younger days. An urge to share music, connect people and create something lasting. Whether behind the decks, building a collective, or launching a label, his story is one of bringing communities together across borders. And with no signs of slowing down, there appears to be plenty more to come from both Majid and Lymm.
More info on Majid
Instagram | RA | SoundCloud
