Ahadadream

A persistent rhythm underpins Ahadadream’s movements. With unflagging energy and passion, the London-based artist manages various facets of his creative self, predominately as a DJ and producer, but also A&R, label-head, event director, and now as one of the leading tastemakers in the UK club scene.

Ahadadream’s music is pure percussive energy; club belters full of skittish drum rolls that have become set staples for all your favourite DJs. With menacing, coiled energy waiting to be unfurled, his unique, drum-focused production draws influence from sounds across the UK, his homeland of Pakistan, the African Diaspora and beyond.

Most recently, his collaboration with Skrillex and Priya Ragu, TAKA, is laced with South Asian influence, as Ahadadream’s high-energy percussion balances Priya Ragu's R&B vocals. TAKA first went viral on Ahadadream’s debut Boiler Room, when Skrillex appeared on screen for the debut spin of their new track. Support from Peggy Gou, Fred Again, Four Tet, Dixon and Chris Lake followed, and on release day, BBC Radio 1 crowned TAKA their Hottest Record, Essential New Tune and Track ID; for the first time since Calvin Harris’ How Deep Is Your Love, in 2015.

Indeed, BBC Radio 1’s Pete Tong also chose Ahadadream as his Future Star for 2024, declaring him “a rhythm king and percussion specialist...currently a bit of a trade secret, talking about him is like talking about Bicep a few years ago. He’s about to blow this year.” While the Guardian declared Ahadadream one “One To Watch”, Beatport also tipped him for 2024, marking him as one of their NEXT Artists, and DJ Mag nominated him for their lauded Best DJ award.

Ahadadream’s distinction as a DJ and producer comes from the inability to categorise his sound, as he seamlessly takes listeners on a journey across multiple genres and junctures. “I think the challenge has always been to describe my music succinctly,” Elley explains. “I borrow elements of sounds from across the globe. I want to create music that can’t be contained inside a box. Although I try to include my Pakistani heritage where possible, it’s never about pigeonholing myself in that.”