AREEB ABBASI ISN’T CHASING THE CROWD. THE CROWD IS FINDING HIM.
By DJ Shinnie (Afshin Mohammadi)Date: 07 January 2026
In a city where DJs compete for attention every night, standing out takes more than technical ability. It requires a point of view. For Areeb Abbasi, it is that sense of identity, coupled with a patient and deliberate approach to his craft, that has steadily earned him a place within London’s underground electronic music scene. Rather than chasing trends or quick wins, he has built his reputation one set, one residency and one connection at a time.a`
Born in Pakistan and now based in London, Areeb’s journey reflects the increasingly global nature of modern electronic music. His sound is difficult to place neatly into a single category. Industrial textures sit comfortably alongside melodic elements, while darker techno influences are balanced with a sense of emotion and storytelling. The result is a style that feels distinctive without ever feeling forced.
What sets Areeb apart is not just the music he plays, but the intention behind it. While many emerging DJs chase instant reactions and predictable crowd pleasers, he takes a more considered approach. His sets unfold gradually, building atmosphere and momentum with a confidence that feels remarkably assured. Rather than relying on obvious peaks, he creates journeys, drawing listeners into carefully constructed soundscapes that reward patience and attention.
“My sets are architectural,” he says. “I like building stories, not just playing tracks one after another.”
That philosophy has taken him across some of London’s most respected venues. From Ministry of Sound and E1 London to Egg London, Areeb has demonstrated an ability to adapt to different rooms and audiences without losing sight of what makes his sound distinctive. These appearances are particularly notable for an emerging artist and reflect growing recognition from some of the UK's most respected electronic music venues. Whether performing to more than 1,200 people at E1 London or playing smaller underground spaces such as Union Vauxhall and Tola Peckham, he brings the same sense of purpose behind the decks.
Areeb’s most significant contribution to the UK's cultural tapestry is his role as a cultural conduit. He seamlessly merges his Pakistani heritage with the European techno tradition, creating a unique sonic identity that reflects a modern, globalized Britain. This isn't just a stylistic choice; it's a meaningful artistic statement that broadens the scope and diversity of the UK's electronic music scene. His music is a bridge between his Pakistani heritage and the European techno tradition, between emotion and precision, between the familiar and the unexpected. “I think of my sound as global,” he explains. “It’s a reflection of who I am, rooted in culture but shaped by experience.” That balance gives his sets a rare kind of resonance, deeply personal yet universally understood.
His residency at Jungla London reflects that appeal. Since taking up the residency in March 2025, he has cultivated a loyal audience that returns not only for the music but for the experience surrounding it. In a city overflowing with talent and constant competition, that kind of connection cannot be manufactured.
What makes his journey particularly compelling is its authenticity. His relationship with London’s dance scene feels organic, shaped through years of consistent work rather than manufactured visibility. Through residencies at Forum Hertfordshire and Jungla London, he has built genuine relationships within the community and established himself as a familiar presence on the circuit.
“A residency is never just another booking,” he explains. “It becomes about community. About consistency. About creating something people connect with.”
His Pakistani roots inform his perspective without defining it. Rather than presenting them as a statement, those influences emerge naturally throughout his work, contributing to a sound that feels both personal and internationally minded.
“I think of my sound as global,” he says. “It reflects where I come from, but also everything I’ve experienced since moving to the UK.”
As his profile continues to grow, so too does his focus on production. He is currently developing original productions and exploring release opportunities with labels including Comet Records and Machines Don’t Dream, signalling an artist who is expanding beyond the club while remaining firmly connected to it.
Even as his attention shifts increasingly towards the studio, Areeb remains deeply committed to the craft of DJing. For him, technique is only meaningful when it serves something greater.
“It’s never about showing off,” he says. “The goal is always to make people feel something.”
Following international opportunities, including a performance at The End in Istanbul, and with new music on the horizon, Areeb’s trajectory is clearly moving upwards. Yet London remains at the centre of his story. Its diversity, energy and constant reinvention are reflected in the music he creates.
In an era shaped by trends and short attention spans, Areeb Abbasi’s rise feels refreshingly grounded. He is building his career steadily, guided by a clear artistic vision and a genuine connection to the communities that support him. That authenticity may well prove to be his greatest strength.
About Aurthor
Iran-born DJ and music producer Afshin Mohammadi, better known by his monikers SHINNIE, United Rockstars, and MashinBeatz; has performed at major events such as Sensation Black Moscow, Stereosonic Australia, Future Music Festival Malaysia, and the F1 After Party in Singapore. He has shared the stage with notable artists like The Prodigy, The Chemical Brothers, Ace Ventura, Tall Paul, Scot Project, and Cosmic Gate at events across Australia, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Since 2008, he has released over 200 records, including singles, 12 EPs, and 4 studio albums, through his own imprints Tripbox, Machines Don't Dream, and Echoing Emi. In addition to spending time in music studios in Istanbul, Yerevan, and Tbilisi to craft his ever-evolving art form, he is dedicated to mentoring emerging artists through his forward-thinking music company, OXYTOXY, all while remaining true to his global dance-floor communication system: trance music.