It would be limiting to begin by discussing where Ouissam Mokretar comes from. After more than a decade in Asia, he has become a regional icon, reshaping the dance music scene wherever he has laid down roots. His intuitive and elegant approach to the dancefloor is simple yet profound: no sound capable of making a room erupt with joy is off-limits in his selections.
As the founder of Hong Kong’s Cliché Records, Ouissam was among the first to cultivate a disco-house-techno synthesis that redefined what could be danced to in the city. From there, he launched the influential Homesick and Fragrant Harbour labels, platforms that expanded his vision of music far beyond Hong Kong. Yet, his journey didn’t stop there. Turning his sights to Hanoi, Vietnam, Ouissam established Savage, a modern dance music haven that has become a cornerstone of the city’s club culture. At Savage, he also runs the beloved monthly queer night Snug, a celebration of music and inclusivity.
Not content with revolutionizing nightlife, Ouissam also curates the renowned Equation festival, now entering its fifth year. The festival has cemented itself as a must-attend event in the region, showcasing cutting-edge electronic music and bringing together artists and fans in a unique and intimate setting.
But beyond these impressive achievements lies a DJ with a pure and infectious love for music. Ouissam’s ability to channel this passion into his sets is what makes him truly stand out. Effortlessly weaving between disco, house, and techno, his selections marry long-lost gems with forward-thinking grooves, creating a sonic aesthetic that is simply irresistible. His dancefloors are spaces where the past meets the future, and the result is nothing short of magic.
