Marrakech – The MDLBEAST Foundation has announced the return of Storm Shaker, the region’s leading DJ competition, which celebrates its fifth edition this year at XP Music Futures 2025.
With expanded prizes and a star-studded international judging panel, the competition continues its mission to spotlight emerging electronic music talent from the MENA region and elevate them onto the global stage.
Designed as a launchpad for aspiring and semi-professional DJs, Storm Shaker offers finalists the chance to perform at XP Music Futures this December in Riyadh.
The winner will then take the stage at the world-renowned Soundstorm Festival 2025 before embarking on a tour of five major international festivals, a groundbreaking opportunity for regional talent.
This year’s panel brings together some of the industry’s most influential figures.
Baloo, Chief Creative Officer at MDLBEAST, returns alongside Nikhil Chinapa of Satellite Beachside in India, Milica Cvijetić of Croatia’s Sea Star Festival, and DAOX, co-founder of Morocco’s MOGA Festival. Adding global weight to the lineup is Palestinian techno icon Sama’ Abdulhadi, whose presence as a special guest judge brings international mentorship and visibility to the competition.
The contest begins this August, with aspiring DJs invited to submit a 30-minute SoundCloud set showcasing their technical skills and creativity.
From there, ten contestants will be shortlisted, leading into a semi-final video round before the live finals at XP Music Futures. The competition will conclude with two DJs going head-to-head for the title of Storm Shaker 2025 winner.
Beyond the headline performance at Soundstorm, all four finalists will receive flights, accommodation, stage time at XP Music Futures, and access to exclusive festival programming, an invaluable career stepping stone.
For the MDLBEAST Foundation, Storm Shaker reflects its wider mission to nurture a sustainable and inclusive music ecosystem in the Middle East, transforming local talent into internationally recognized artists.
