In the electrifying world of electronic dance music (EDM), milestones are few but monumental. From the 7th to 9th June, 25-year-old Yusef Kifah shattered barriers and etched his name in history as the first Malaysian DJ to headline a major UK music festival. The “Hard Trance Europe Weekender” in Weston-super-Mare, England, became the stage where Yusef’s dreams met reality, as he captivated audiences with his pulsating beats and infectious energy.
Reflecting on this groundbreaking achievement, Yusef shared his exhilaration with FreeMalaysiaToday, stating, “It was a great show. It was great to connect with my fans on this side of the world and meet many of my colleagues in the industry. I think I rocked it, there were many happy faces.“
Invited by HTE founder Nick Coles, Yusef’s performance at the Weekender showcased a mix of his hits, from “Evolution” to “Energy,” alongside a special twist with the Malaysian track “Modjo,” remixed by Chukiess & Whackboi. Beyond the beats, the Malaysian talent holds a vision for EDM in his home country, advocating for a focus on talent and cultural impact. “We should have more dance-music events and festivals in Malaysia with a central focus on the talent, rather than just the fun aspect,” he emphasised, highlighting the economic and cultural potential of the genre.
Looking ahead, Yusef is inspired by his UK experience, eagerly anticipating more opportunities to share his music globally. For him, being a DJ transcends entertainment; it’s about creating connections and spreading positivity through music. “I love seeing people have a great time and dance to the music I play,” he enthused. “This fast-paced sound brings people together – if I can be a beacon of this, I’m all in!”
When he was 13 years old, the musician’s journey into music began, spinning records at school events and swiftly ascending into Malaysia’s vibrant club scene by the time he was 18 years old. His passion for EDM traces back to childhood, ignited by his brother’s introduction to tunes like ”Raver’s Fantasy” by Tune Up!. This early spark fueled the DJ’s dedication to exploring and mastering the EDM landscape.
Breaking into the European music scene, Yusef made waves by becoming the first Malaysian artist to claim the top spot on Trackitdown’s Trance Charts in 2016. His collaboration with Hard Trance Europe (HTE) in 2020 marked another milestone, leading to electrifying projects like “Evolution” and the acclaimed “Champagne” with UK legends Lab4.
The 25-year-old’s journey from a young dreamer to a trailblazing DJ continues to inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the global EDM stage. As he sets his sights on new horizons, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter of this Malaysian rockstar’s rise.
Source: Free Malaysia Today (FMT)
Melissa Royan contributed to this article.
