Rabat – Haytem Guerbali, also known as Oddity, discovered the transformative power of music at just 13.
“I started DJing at 13, not with a plan, but with pure curiosity. I was fascinated by how sound could shift emotions and connect people without words,” he told MWN Lifestyle.
That early fascination evolved into discipline. The passion stayed, but it gained purpose. Years of experimentation, quiet setbacks, and relentless consistency honed his craft.
The DJ would later go on to found Glitched, Awake, and the Youniverse clothing brand.
Today, Oddity lives from that childhood love. Yet, at his core, “I’m still that kid obsessed with rhythm and energy, just more aware of the responsibility that comes with creating it.”
The hall of music & fame
For Oddity, music wasn’t a single moment of revelation but a gradual realization.
“It wasn’t about the spotlight or the recognition, but about creating moments that mattered, shaping energy, and sharing joy,” he explained.
Each project, whether a festival or a clothing line, stems from that quiet certainty: music and events are not just what he does, they are who he is.
Financial independence through art, he said, is equally holistic.
“It’s not just money. It’s the ability to work for myself, make my own choices, and create without compromise,” he noted.
This freedom allows him to experiment, to risk, and to craft moments where people feel alive.
Every reaction from a crowd, he believes, is proof that persistence, discipline, and love for one’s craft can surpass talent alone.
Discipline, sobriety & focus
For an artist in an industry driven by nightlife, discipline is paramount. “Discipline is self-respect. It’s the decision to take my passion seriously, even when no one is watching,” Oddity reflected.
This ethos guides not only his music but also his leadership and creative endeavors.
Sobriety has sharpened this focus. In an environment fueled by late nights with often constant stimulation and substances, staying sober allows him to “approach work with intention, make decisions calmly, and lead with consistency.”
For Oddity, sobriety amplifies creativity, energy, and the ability to inspire both his team and his audience.
Beyond house & techno
Oddity refuses to be confined by genre. “Music is too good to DJ or produce only one style,” he said.
House, techno, or any other label is secondary to atmosphere, energy, and the story told through the set.
Each venue, each crowd, demands a unique approach, and Oddity thrives on that freedom to explore.
For him, a DJ’s responsibility extends beyond the familiar: to introduce listeners to new sounds, textures, and emotions.
Among the countless sets he’s played, one remains unforgettable.
The closing set after Adriatique at Awake Festival in 2022 left him with a rare, resonant connection: “The vibe was just unique, the crowd responded in a way that made every moment feel meaningful, and I could feel their energy feeding mine.”
The ‘Glitched’ experience
Glitched was born from a desire to offer something fresh, immersive, and memorable.
“Our audience is curious and open-minded… we introduce new sounds gradually, blending familiar rhythms with fresh ones, letting people explore at their own pace,” he emphasized.
Curating a lineup, he noted, is about more than booking names. It’s about flow, energy, and experience.
For intimate events like Glitched, every set contributes to a personal journey.
For large-scale festivals like Awake, the challenge lies in maintaining dynamic energy across multiple stages while balancing budget, diversity, and long-term sustainability.
“Festivals look magical from the outside, but behind the scenes there are constant decisions, pressure, and responsibility,” Oddity admitted.
“Protecting both the creative vision and financial stability allows us to grow step by step, while staying true to our identity.”
Looking ahead, Oddity sees North Africa’s festival culture entering an era of growth.
“Over the next decade, I believe North Africa will continue to define its festivals with immersive experiences, strong communities, and authentic local creativity,” he predicts.
The ‘Youniverse’ universe
Oddity’s passion extends to fashion with Youniverse, a brand born from personal necessity.
Unable to find clothes reflecting his identity, he started creating them himself. Every piece is handmade, emphasizing quality, simplicity, and authenticity.
“Every piece is crafted with care by artisans… that’s what makes each piece truly ‘younique,’” he explained.
In a world dominated by fast fashion, Oddity maintains authenticity over trend-chasing.
Tomorrow in the making
When asked about what’s next, Oddity emphasizes his drive to innovate and experiment.
“Absolutely. I’m someone who is constantly thinking, creating, and imagining new ways to bring people together through music and art,” he answered.
“For me, evolution is essential; every project is an opportunity to explore something new and push the experience a little further.”
He added that several ideas are already taking shape behind the scenes, though he is careful to develop them thoughtfully.
“There are definitely a few ideas currently taking shape behind the scenes. I’m taking the time to develop them with the right intention and the right energy, because I believe every concept should bring something meaningful to the scene.”
Looking forward, Oddity is excited about sharing these new directions when the timing feels right.
“I’m excited about what’s coming next, and I’m looking forward to sharing more when the moment feels right.”
The roadmap
For young creatives, his advice is simple: “Start. Don’t wait for perfect conditions… Creation is something you learn by doing.”
He knows the path is not easy. In early 2020, after leaving a stable corporate job to fully dedicate himself to music, the pandemic struck.
Events vanished, doubts arose, but the experience taught him resilience, patience, and trust in himself: “The hardest moments often lead to the most meaningful growth.”
The Oddity legacy
Oddity measures success by human connection, not numbers.
“I hope people remember the feeling, the energy, the emotion, the passion behind it all… If, in ten years, people say that what I created felt real, intentional, and driven by passion, that would mean everything to me,” he highlighted.
From a curious 13-year-old exploring rhythm to a visionary shaping music, fashion, and immersive experiences, Oddity continues to glitch the ordinary, crafting moments that leave lasting impressions and pushing creative boundaries at every step.
