The first internationally recognized Palestinian DJ and cultural activist, Sama’ Abdulhadi, is coming to Boogaloo, club in Zagreb, also known as the ‘temple of happiness’. This highly anticipated performance by the techno star will take place on Friday, April 4th, accompanied by local scene powerhouses DJ Jock, Shipe, and Ska.
Known for her energetic and intense techno sound, Abdulhadi seamlessly fuses Middle Eastern influences with the global techno scene. Sama’ describes her style as “Berlin techno with a Lebanese interpretation.” Through her music and activism, she tirelessly promotes Palestinian culture, using techno as a universal language of freedom and solidarity. Today, she is one of the most exciting names in the global electronic music scene.
From Ramallah to Global Recognition
Sama’ Abdulhadi’s musical journey began in Ramallah, where she built a strong underground music scene despite political and social challenges, inspiring young creatives worldwide. Though she is the first Palestinian DJ to gain international recognition, her career truly took off when she left Palestine and moved to Beirut.
She studied sound engineering at the SAE Institute in London and initially released music under the pseudonym Skywalker. She also collaborated with musicians in Egypt, working on sound design for films and music projects.
Her breakthrough moment came in 2018, when she performed at Boiler Room, a set that became iconic and sparked conversations about the long-overlooked techno scene in the Middle East. Since then, she has become a global ambassador for Palestinian culture through electronic music.
A Cultural Activist and Community Builder
Beyond DJing, Abdulhadi is the founder of Union, a creative collective in Ramallah that serves as a hub for DJs, producers, and artists, helping them connect and grow despite social and political restrictions. She has also been involved in humanitarian initiatives, such as Bring Back Beirut, a fundraising campaign aimed at reviving Lebanon’s cultural scene.
However, her journey has not been without controversy. In 2020, she was illegally detained by Palestinian authorities while recording a live stream near a mosque, sparking an international outcry. A petition demanding her release gathered over 100,000 signatures, with support from notable figures like Roger Waters and Angela Davis.
In addition to bringing global names like Sama’ Abdulhadi, Future Scope continuously supports local talented DJs and producers, giving them the opportunity to perform alongside world-renowned artists. At this event, alongside Sama’ Abdulhadi, DJ Jock will also take the stage, a techno maestro from Split with over a decade of experience in the DJ scene. Jock has earned a reputation as one of the most energetic DJs in Croatia, as confirmed by his awards for Best DJ of the Year at the Ambasador and Elector awards. With years of experience, Jock will be joined on stage by Shipe, an essential figure in the local electronic scene and the organizer of Future Scope itself. For the warm-up, Ska will take charge, a rising name on the scene who is steadily building a loyal audience and is behind the organization of electr0technika.
Tickets for this event are available through Entrio.
