When my friend DJ Safar gave me a call, I knew he was coming to mix in the international capital of entertainment, Los Angeles. What I didn’t realize was that his gig would fall on the same day as the Independence Day celebrations. The 4th of July is always a busy day for me, with countless press invitations flooding in for different events across the city.
But since my first-ever 4th of July celebration—even before moving to LA—was in Santa Monica, I felt it would be fitting to jump from a media members’ lunch to Safar’s set afterward. I’m glad I did. His last gig at Members night club on Sunset Blvd was phenomenal, and this one was no different.
DJ SAFAR – IMAGE: DJ SAFAR
Among Friends organized the event, a collective I discovered for the first time that night. Although I’ve interviewed many Arab creatives bringing unique concepts to the Middle Eastern audience here in LA, Among Friends stood out with its effortless diversity.
The group includes two Lebanese members, Hicham Abou Jaoude and Charbel Abou Jaoude, Iraqi artist Usama Douglah (aka HBB), Kameni Ngahdeu from Cameroon, and Pedro Freire from Brazil. As many know, I’ve always been fond of spaces that embrace diversity, and Among Friends exemplifies that.
For those unfamiliar with the phenomenon that is Safar, allow me to illuminate your world: Born in Africa, raised in Europe, and now captivating audiences across the globe, Safar is the DJ who transforms every dance floor into a vibrant tapestry of sound. He’s been making waves in the Afro House and Organic House scenes, delivering sets that make time feel like a mere suggestion.
His meteoric rise began in 2020 with the release of “Thousand and Two Nights,” and since then, he’s been on an unstoppable trajectory. Tracks like “Hoshiana” and “Sweet Disposition” have catapulted him from promising newcomer to a must-see DJ who consistently delivers unforgettable experiences.
Safar’s sound is a delightful enigma—part Afro House, part Melodic Techno, and entirely immersive. With summer anthems like “The Lost Tribe” and “Scandalosa,” he’s had crowds entranced and dancing like nobody’s watching. In 2024, he teased us with “Salaam,” a hint of the musical magic he’s now delivering in 2025—his most monumental year yet.
But let’s be clear: Safar isn’t just another DJ; he’s an experience. He effortlessly guides the crowd through a kaleidoscope of musical colors, perfectly syncing with the energy of Among Friends. If you haven’t yet discovered this sonic sorcerer, you’re missing out on something extraordinary!
MOROCCAN ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER IN HOLLYWOOD, SIMO BENBACHIR, SURROUNDED BY ALI, MARIE, PEDRO FREIRE, DJ SAFAR, AND USAMA DOUGLAH (AKA HBB) – IMAGE: DJ SAFAR
I had the incredible opportunity to meet the entire crew of Among Friends at the event, and let me tell you, they are not just exceptionally talented—they are genuinely wonderful people with a vision to unite us all. And let’s face it, that’s precisely what we need right now!
Launched in the summer of 2022, Among Friends quickly evolved into something far beyond a mere party series. Based in Los Angeles, the vibe they’re cultivating feels like a movement—a family that reminds us that a fantastic night out should feel like coming home: warm, inclusive, and bursting with positive energy.
They’re not just hosting parties; they’re crafting unforgettable moments. Each event is a unique universe, with playful themes, immersive experiences, and a dance floor that transports you to your favorite version of LA. It’s all about connection, creativity, and simply having fun without overthinking!
DJ SAFAR IN ACTION AT THE AMONG FRIENDS EVENT IN LOS ANGELES – IMAGE: @NORXSOU.MEDIA
In 2024, they took their vision to the next level by launching Among Friends Records, releasing fresh tracks from emerging electronic artists worldwide while spotlighting local talent in LA. Several of their releases have climbed the Beatport charts, proving they mean business!
Music, fashion, friendship—it all converges with Among Friends. This isn’t just a party; it’s a mindset. If you’re searching for a place to dance like nobody’s watching, meet incredible people, and feel part of something truly special, look no further than Among Friends.
Safar took us on a journey of Afro and tech house that had the Los Angeles crowd going wild for over two hours of incredible music. As soon as he finished, the crowd erupted, screaming “Encore! Encore!”
So he gave them what they wanted, adding another 30 minutes to his set before passing the decks to Usama Douglah, aka HBB (“Habibi”), a Baghdad-born, LA-based DJ and producer who brings dance floors to life with eclectic sets blending his Middle Eastern roots with progressive and organic house. In 2024, he co-founded Among Friends Records to spotlight local LA talent.
After HBB, KMNI, a Cameroonian-born, LA-based DJ and producer known for vibrant, joyful Afro House and Afro Tech sets, took over, keeping the crowd dancing non-stop into the night.
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