Zakem: “What Makes Morocco’s Scene Truly Special is Passion”

Moroccan DJ and producer Zakem sat down with us to discuss how dance music is shifting in his hometown of Tangier.

Moroccan DJ and producer Zakem is quickly becoming a vanguard within the global underground scene. Born and raised in Tangier, a city celebrated for its multicultural spirit and rich cultural legacy, his formative years ignited a deep curiosity and appreciation for diverse sounds and perspectives.

Before streaming became prevalent, Zakem’s love for electronic music was built on passion and a tight-knit community. He would often trade music and recorded DJ sets with his friends as he developed a keen ear as both curator and collector. “While the local music scene wasn’t very big or visible during my upbringing, there was a strong culture of music curation,” said Zakem as he reflected on the past. “This environment had a huge influence on my passion for electronic music. Every track we discovered, shared, or bought was like uncovering a piece of treasure. It deepened our understanding and love for the genre.”

Growing up in Tangier was a truly unique experience. The city has always stood out in Morocco for its international background and rich blend of cultures. Even today, when you walk through Tangier, you’ll hear people speaking English, Spanish, Arabic, and French. The city is alive with art and history, with roots that go back to the 1950s, when it was a secret haven for international artists, musicians, poets, and writers.
Zakem

Photo Credit: Raid Laabi

With the rise of DAW and the increasing accessibility of bedroom production tools, Zakem found himself drawn deeper into the craft of making his own music. Inspired by pioneers like DJ Chus, Carl Cox, Sasha, and Dubfire, he spent nearly two decades refining his sound. In 2012, he made a bold entrance into recorded music with a string of impactful releases, including the tracks “Moonset” and “Shake It,” as well as two EPs, Tribute and After Midnight.

Having emerged from the local scene, Zakem now has a front-row seat to the evolving electronic music culture—one he describes as a mix of excitement and disappointment. “On the exciting side, there has been a huge investment in large-scale events and festivals that bring international artists to Moroccan audiences who have long wanted to see them,” he said. “These festivals often go all out, with impressive stage designs and unforgettable experiences: DJ sets in the desert, on beaches, and in other exotic locations that feel truly immersive.”

What makes the local scene in Morocco truly special is the passion. People here show a deep love for the music, the artists, and the experience itself.
Zakem

Despite the excitement, Zakem is mindful of the “sad reality” that comes with this rapid expansion. “First, these big events are ultimately investments, and that often means the focus is more on marketing and booking popular names rather than artists who are true masters of their craft,” he said. “The second issue is that, as these festivals have grown, Morocco’s club culture has almost completely faded.”

If you look back 15 years, most fans of dance music could name the top five clubs in the country without hesitation. Today, I doubt many could even name five actual nightclubs, let alone say which ones are worth going to.
Zakem

In addition, Zakem has observed a growing trend towards hybrid spaces where restaurants double up as dancefloors. While popular, these social experiences lack the focused energy and raw authenticity of a classic club atmosphere. Nonetheless, Zakem remains optimistic, finding encouragement in a small but determined network of venues that continue to stay true to their musical roots.

He recalled his experiences playing alongside international artists and highlighted the remarkable quality that truly sets the Moroccan crowd apart. “There’s a genuine emotional connection between the audience and the music, and that energy on the dancefloor is unlike anything else.”

At almost every event I’ve played, they’ve told me the same thing: Moroccan crowds are among the best in the world. Even though we live in an era of constant filming and social media, I still feel that most people here come to events for the right reasons. They’re not just chasing a moment for Instagram — they’re there to listen, to dance, to connect, and to fully live the experience.
Zakem

“It’s also worth mentioning that the dance scene in Morocco isn’t cheap,” Zakem continued. “Ticket prices can actually be higher than in some parts of Europe. Yet events still fill up. That says a lot about how much people value and prioritize these moments. It’s wild, and it’s beautiful.”

After stepping back from production to focus on touring in 2015, Zakem returned to the studio with renewed focus in 2020. He spent the last few years refining his sound and remains a potent force in the scene, with releases on labels such as Moon Rocket Music, Stereo Productions, and Serrano’s Kitchen.

Alongside his solo projects, Zakem is also the co-founder of Avenoir Music, the imprint he launched with longtime collaborator Yescene. Born from a decade-long vision to curate and support emerging underground artists in the scene, Avenoir seeks to cultivate a global community of forward-thinking creatives united by a passion for underground rhythms.

Building on the spirit of his label, Zakem’s latest mix for our This Is Home series offers a personal snapshot of his current musical landscape. “As with most of my mixes, there’s a natural rise and fall. I like to build the energy up and then take it down a notch, giving listeners a moment to breathe before picking things back up again,” he explained. “That approach was heavily inspired by old DJ sets from Ron Hardy. He had this way of slamming intense tracks, then suddenly switching to something more soulful or soothing, a kind of reset that keeps the night flowing.”

True to Zakem’s style, the exclusive mix features dynamic shifts in adrenaline, as reflected in his latest release, “I Can’t Breathe.” This eight-minute collaboration with H.NOT is a high-octane track pulsing with hypnotic drum patterns, capturing the essence of Morocco’s vibrant underground scene — the very energy that fuels the warmth and intensity of Zakem’s sonic identity.

Beyond the music, Zakem is very much a hometown guide. He knows the perfect place for a relaxed meal and feel-good vibes. In Tangier, he has carved out a personal map of his go-to spots, those that reflect his personality: warm, unfiltered, and soulful. “I’m definitely a seafood person, so anywhere that serves fresh fish is my go-to,” he said. “I’d probably take you to La Lubina Blanca or L’Océan. Both have great food, amazing views, and a very local feel.”

For drinks, Zakem recommends Tangerinn because of its atmosphere with friendly staff, welcoming regulars, and good music playing. “It’s one of those places that just feels authentic,” he said. As for clubs, Locus Night Club is at the top of Zakem’s list. “It’s really the only proper spot in town right now,” he shared. “I play there quite often, and what I love about it is that the crowd is solid. People come for the music, and they’re always there to have a great time. It feels like a real community on the dance floor.”

With his melodic compositions and tribal-infused grooves, Zakem has established himself as one of the most sought-after DJs in his hometown and has come to champion a sound that combines a unique fusion of rhythmic Iberian house and techno’s raw energy. Hit play and dive into this exclusive mix, packed with fiery rhythms and cultural flavor from one of Morocco’s rising stars.

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