Pioneering Saudi Arabia’s Electronic Music Scene
DJ Cosmicat, born Nouf Sufyani, is an iconic figure bridging the gap between underground electronic music and mainstream scenes. As a Saudi trailblazer, she shapes the sound of regional electronic music while inspiring a global generation of creators with her unique blend of melodic techno, deep house, and Middle Eastern cultural motifs.
A Bold Journey: From Dentistry to the Dance Floor
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Cosmicat’s journey began in Jeddah, where her fascination with music grew alongside a career in dentistry. However, her passion for electronic music proved too strong to ignore. Armed with little more than a laptop and an internet connection, she taught herself music production and DJing techniques using FL Studio.
"I had started working; I bought a DJ mixer online just for fun during my shift in the clinic," she recalled.
This bold pivot from a stable career to the creative unknown exemplifies her fearless spirit—a trait that now defines her music. By 2017, she was performing at local events, slowly building her reputation as an artist in a region where electronic music was just beginning to emerge.
Rising Through the Ranks: Discography and Style
Cosmicat’s music reflects her deep connection to melody and rhythm. Her 2020 Dilemma EP, created in collaboration with French producer Yann Dulché, put her on the international map. The project combined emotive melodic techno with her signature flair for creating immersive soundscapes.
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THRILLS & BEATS RECORDS present their 27th release: Yann Dulché's "DILEMMA" featuring Saudi female DJ Cosmicat. The release is the 1st of a new series of collaborations between the French producer and some of the best rising artists from around the globe. The original deep-house song "Dilemma" blends Yann's French-styled funky bass & jazzy piano, with deep, inspiring Arabic vocals from Cosmicat. It comes with a more underground, club-oriented, techno-house remix by Cosmicat and a stunning, emotive break-house remix by New York DJ Baltra.
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Her Sound, a Fusion of
#DeepHouse #MelodicTechno #MiddleEast
Deep House: Cosmicat masterfully channels the genre's rhythmic grooves and warm, soulful undertones, creating tracks that feel immersive and emotionally resonant. Her productions often feature lush basslines and subtle vocal layers, hallmarks of deep house, which she uses to evoke a sense of intimacy on the dance floor.
Embark on a sonic journey where ancient Middle Eastern melodies intertwine with the pulsating rhythms of modern deep house. Middle Eastern Deep House is a premium sample pack that delivers a rich tapestry of musical loops, designed to elevate your productions to extraordinary levels.
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Apollo Sound is proud to present to you a unique & authentic sample pack - Middle East Deep House! A collection of sounds that unites past & future, East & West. Where Arabic vocal samples & darbuka loops are combined with deep house drums & modern synth tunes! Let's take a look at what we have here…
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Melodic Techno: With a strong emphasis on intricate soundscapes, Cosmicat pushes melodic techno into new territory. Her tracks are characterized by hypnotic progressions, ethereal synth leads, and driving beats that balance complexity and accessibility—making her music a journey as much as a performance.
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Drawing inspiration from artists such as Tale of Us, Solomun, CamelPhat, Adriatique, Cristoph, Yotto, Kevin de Vries, Bicep, and labels such as Afterlife Records, Innervisions, Watergate Records, Bedrock, and Last Night on Earth, to name a few. Melodic Techno Serum provides producers with the most sought-after sounds from the genre direct via this powerful synth.
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Middle Eastern Motifs: Subtle infusions of regional melodies and percussive elements, adding a cultural layer to her tracks. Cosmicat draws on Saudi Arabia’s rich musical heritage to infuse her electronic productions with authenticity. From syncopated rhythms reminiscent of Khaleeji (The Gulf) traditions to modal melodies inspired by instruments like the oud and qanun, she weaves subtle yet distinctive elements into her modern compositions, resonating with global audiences.
The Qanun (قانون), a renowned Arabian relative of the Zither, is famous for its unique, melodramatic sound. The Oud (عود: literally “wood”) has been the key instrument across Middle Eastern and North African traditional and popular music for centuries, even millenniums in its region of origin. This forerunner of the European Lute impresses with its signature sound, enjoys the spotlight in your mix and pairs splendidly with the Qanun.
Cosmicat and #RemixContest
More recently, Cosmicat has continued her rise with the 2024 release Lovers Game / Game Over. These tracks demonstrate her evolution as a producer, layering intricate beats with dynamic atmospheres that resonate with both casual listeners and industry professionals.
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Cosmicat’s role as an innovator extends beyond her performances. In collaboration with LabelRadar in 2024, she hosted a remix contest for her track “Lovers Game”, inviting producers to showcase their skills. The contest culminated in a special release: a remix compilation under the Mahool sub-label of MDLBEAST Records.
Cortex Power’s remix brings a fresh and dynamic take, while Yann Dulché’s version infuses melodic depth, and Sokkary adds a unique energy with his distinctive style. Together, the remixes embody Cosmicat’s vision of fostering talent and delivering innovative electronic music experiences.
Breathing New Life into Iconic Tracks
In addition to her original productions, Cosmicat has showcased her versatility through notable remixes.
She reimagined Beyoncé's "Honey/Pure" with a ballroom twist, infusing it with her unique electronic flair.
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Furthermore, she delivered a dynamic reinterpretation of CamelPhat's "Running Man," aptly titled the "Running Woman Remix," which has been well-received in the electronic music community.
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Collaborations on stage and Festival Performances
Over the years, Cosmicat has shared the stage with global heavyweights like Afrojack, R3HAB, Solomun & Peggy Gou, and Martin Garrix. Her presence at internationally renowned festivals, including Tomorrowland, Ultra Miami and EXIT Festival, solidifies her status as an artist who transcends borders.
In 2024, Cosmicat captivated audiences with electrifying sets at MDLBEAST Soundstorm in Riyadh and exclusive underground events in Dubai. Her performances seamlessly blend hypnotic beats with cultural elements, making her sets both dynamic and emotionally resonant.
In addition to her live sets, Cosmicat engages with her audience through diverse media formats:
- YouTube: Live DJ sets and festival highlights.
- Mixcloud: Curated mixes showcasing her evolving sound.
- MDLBEAST Radio: Insightful interviews and exclusive sessions that highlight her influences and foster new talent.
Best Service Qanun
Pyramid Aoud Strings
Thomann Arabian Oud Deluxe Pro|
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Looking ahead, Cosmicat is set to perform at the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) in 2025, further solidifying her place in the upper echelons of international festivals. Within Saudi Arabia, she is a cultural symbol of renewal, playing a pivotal role in the burgeoning electronic music scene across the region.
A Look at Her Label and Future Plans
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Cosmicat is deeply connected with MDLBEAST Records, a label that has become a hub for innovative electronic music, fostering both local and international talent. Within MDLBEAST, she is closely associated with Mahool, a sub-label dedicated to exploring experimental and underground sounds. This niche platform aligns with Cosmicat’s passion for pushing boundaries, offering a space where creativity thrives outside the mainstream.
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Through her involvement with MDLBEAST and Mahool, Cosmicat not only showcases her own work but also plays a pivotal role in promoting emerging artists and fostering a vibrant electronic music scene in the Middle East and beyond.
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