“I want my sound to reflect where I come from” Mobek interview
Emerging from Tangier’s Afro House scene, Mobek has steadily carved out a sound rooted in rhythm but open to evolution. Their latest collaboration with Zakem, co-founder of the Avenoir label, marks a shift into more melodic, cinematic territory — a move that feels less like a pivot and more like a natural expansion. With a history of performances at regional heavyweights like Umbra and Sama, and a growing reputation as a key figure in northern Morocco’s underground, they’re part of a new wave of producers reshaping how electronic music from the region is heard and felt.
In this interview, we discuss the collaborative process, the Moroccan scene’s impact, and what it means to create music that moves both body and mind.
Your roots are firmly in the Afro House scene in Tangier, but this new collaboration leans more into melodic house. What drew you toward this cinematic, melodic direction for the track with Zakem?
Afro House has always been my foundation — the rhythm, the energy, the inspiration. But with this collaboration, I felt like exploring a deeper and more emotional space. We wanted to build something that speaks both to the heart and the body — something you can dance to, but also reflect with.
You’ve played at major festivals like Umbra and Sama alongside international names. How have those experiences shaped your sense of how a track should connect emotionally as well as rhythmically?
Playing at those festivals showed me the power of emotional connection in music. It’s not just about the beat — it’s about creating moments. When you see hundreds of people react to a track and connect emotionally, you realize that rhythm gets people moving, but emotion keeps them present. That’s something I always try to keep in mind, both in my sets and in the studio.
Can you describe your creative process working with Zakem? How did you find common ground between your Afro House background and his more introspective, cinematic style?
It was a very fluid and natural process, especially since we know each other well — we’ve played together many times, both on stage and in the studio. We didn’t force anything; the track just found its balance. It was all about listening to each other and trusting the process.
The new track has a slow-building, detailed sound that feels made for both listening and dancing. Was that dual purpose intentional from the start, or did it evolve naturally?
That duality kind of evolved as we worked. We weren’t chasing a club banger or a trend — we just focused on building something that breathes, something full of emotion. Whether you’re in a club, in the car, or at home, it invites you in slowly and takes you on a journey.
How does the Moroccan club and festival scene influence your production choices? Do you find yourself producing with those specific audiences in mind, or are you now thinking more globally?
The Moroccan scene definitely shaped how I started — especially in Tangier, where crowds love rhythm and percussion. But over time, I’ve started thinking more globally. I want my sound to reflect where I come from, but also connect with people everywhere.
Zakem co-founded Avenoir Music with a focus on distinctive, emotionally driven electronic music. What does it mean to you to release on a Moroccan label that’s trying to carve its own identity?
It means a lot. Releasing on Avenoir feels like being part of something bigger. Zakem and the label have a clear vision — they’re not just following trends, they’re building something with heart. I’m proud to contribute to that identity and be part of the journey.
There’s a sense of storytelling in this track. Do you tend to think about narrative when you’re producing music, or is it more about feeling and instinct?
It usually starts with instinct — a sound or an emotion I want to express. But as the track evolves, I do start thinking about it like a story: Where does it begin? What’s the tension? What’s the resolution? So in a way, storytelling and feeling are always connected in my process.
You’ve become a key figure in northern Morocco’s scene. What challenges and opportunities come with developing a sound and career from a place that’s still relatively underrepresented in global electronic music conversations?
It’s a challenge for sure — there’s less infrastructure, less visibility. But at the same time, that gives you freedom. You can create your own identity and sound without having to follow a formula.
Looking ahead, do you see yourself exploring more melodic or cinematic styles, or is this track more of a one-off experiment within your broader Afro House sound?
I think this is just the beginning of a broader evolution. Afro House will always be a part of me, but it’s not about choosing one genre — it’s about finding your voice through different sounds. So yes, you can expect more of that fusion in the future.
