KIDY: "The dancefloor’s energy is my inspiration"

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4 days ago
3 min read

KIDY is a globally recognized DJ and artist, celebrated for turning every set into a unique and unforgettable show. With nearly two decades of experience, he has mastered the art of reading and energizing crowds, performing in top venues across Dubai—where he ranks among the top 10 DJs—as well as touring extensively throughout Asia, the Middle East, Russia, and other countries. His impressive resume includes headline gigs at Expo2020, Dubai Opera, New York Fashion Week 2023, and major events like a 12,000-person Halloween party at IMG Worlds Dubai. In addition to live performances, KIDY hosted a prime-time radio show in the UAE and has showcased at renowned festivals such as Sample Music Festival and Abu Dhabi Sports Festival. His music resonates globally, spinning on leading radio stations and in clubs around the world, marking him as a true innovator in the electronic music scene.

Your new single "La Carnaval" with Mott is full of vibrant energy. How did the idea for the track come about, and what mood or message were you aiming to share with it?

We’ve been friends for about three years now, and during that time, each of us has released a bunch of tracks — but we never did a collab. So at some point, we just said, "Come on, let’s finally make something together".

I had a bunch of demos, and we sat down in the studio to listen through them. Mott heard this one and immediately said, "Let’s finish it". That’s how our summer track La Carnaval was born — with a bright summer vibe, a Latin sample, and a killer synth on the second drop.

You’ve performed at some incredible venues—from Expo2020 and New York Fashion Week to clubs and festivals across Asia and the Middle East. Is there one performance that stands out as especially meaningful to you, and why?

Untold really blew me away. First of all, it wasn’t just a set at a major global festival — it was something more.

I performed a showcase that took people on a journey through time. It started with the iconic "In the beginning there was Jack" speech, and then moved through different eras — from Marshall Jefferson, CeCe Peniston and Daft Punk — and ended with modern artists like Fisher and Keinemusik. It was a full story on stage.

Your shows go beyond DJ sets—they’re full-scale performances. How do you approach building a live experience? Do you start with the music, the visuals, or the overall vibe?

I feed off the crowd. Their reaction is everything. It’s a pure energy exchange between me and the dancefloor — I give them my energy, my vibe, my music, and they give it back with their emotions. That’s the best connection a DJ can have with an audience.

And since I’ve been in the industry since 2004, I’ve got enough experience to get any crowd moving.

Dubai is your home base, but your sound is undeniably global. How does living in such a multicultural city influence your creative process and style?

You’re right — my goal is to think globally, not just focus on the UAE market.

But Dubai does have a big influence. I actually find other countries more creatively free.

For example, if you’re living in your home country, with your own apartment and fewer expenses, you can just chill and do what you love at your own pace.

But in Dubai, everything revolves around money and results. It’s hard for people to focus solely on passion, especially if they’re into underground or niche genres. Money runs out fast, and people are forced to adapt to the market to survive.

Luckily, I haven’t faced any extreme situations, because my musical taste aligns well with Dubai’s club scene.

After 19 years in the industry, touring the world and making charting tracks, what still drives you to push boundaries and evolve as an artist?

To me, it’s like a game I love playing — leveling up. Right now, I want to be in the inner circle, connecting with global stars and top-tier DJs. That’s a whole different league.

These people have already proven everything — they know how to balance creativity and business. And that’s super inspiring.