Yusef Kifah becomes first Malaysian DJ headlining UK's HTE Weekender

Kuala Lumpur-based DJ/producer Yusef Kifah, is set to make history by headlining the UK’s Hard Trance Europe (HTE) Weekender 2024 at Weston-super-Mare’s The Grand Pier.

His set will be a world exclusive b2b with Lab4 (made up of Adam Newman and Les Elston). The duo made their debut at Ministry of Sound's Torture Garden and swiftly progressed to perform at Club U.K. alongside DJs like Derrick Carter and Carl Cox.

Lab4’s evolution continued with successful releases like ‘Alien’ and ‘Witchdocter’, leading to international performances across Europe, Asia, and North America, solidifying their global fanbase.

At just 25 years old, Yusef will be the first Malaysian DJ to lead a UK music festival, marking a significant milestone in Malaysian electronic music.

"I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to represent Malaysia on the international stage and to be the first Malaysian DJ to headline a music festival in the UK," says Yusef.

He continues: "This moment is a testament to the collective efforts of all those who have supported and believed in me throughout my journey. I am immensely grateful for the unwavering encouragement of my people."

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Throughout his career spanning over 14 years, Yusef has performed on renowned stages and festivals, notably headlining events like It's The Ship and Island Music Festival.

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Specializing in hard trance and hard dance which can be heard in viral hits like ‘我就是这样’, ‘Asia’ and ‘Evolution’, he’s also shared stages with big names such as Scot Project and Mark Sixma and garnered support from industry giants like Armin van Buuren and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike.

Other accolades include being the first Malaysian artist to hit #1 on the Trackitdown Trance Charts in 2016 plus being announced as the #4 trance artist in Asia by Trance Republic the following year.

See the full line-up of Hard Trance Europe Weekender 2024 below.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.