Artist Spotlight: Zabadi Khalat

As much as their stage name suggests, which is the Arabic for ‘Mixed Yoghurt’, Egyptian DJ/producer duo Zabadi Khalat don’t take themselves too seriously, despite having kept some of Cairo’s most popular clubs and events alive with their infectious, danceable electro-shaabi and Arabic pop remixes. 

The project began as an experiment between two longtime friends, Saify and Mobbz, who decided to try merging their different musical styles: hip-hop/R&B and house. The result became a deliberate mix, giving the project its name and reflecting an approach to electronic music that is creative, unexpected, and genre-crossing.

For Zabadi Khalat, ideas emerge organically, from idle moments, random playlists, or casual hangouts, turning into studio sessions that evolve into remixes or original tracks. Their early performances were tentative; with no established audience, they played their first set at Cairo Jazz Club, uncertain of the reception. Over time, their approach has found a consistent audience, connecting with listeners through the energy of each performance rather than preplanned sets.

In this Artist Spotlight series, we sat down with Saify and Mobbz to trace back the early beginnings of Zabadi Khalat and unpack the creative process behind their mixes. 

Watch the full interview below: