ZEEMUFFIN, born Zainab Hasnain, is the world touring Pakistani-American DJ and producer proudly slaying a kuffeyiah, rocking parties attended by NYC’s mayor Zohran Mamdani, and touring with Elyanna. She blends genre-bending global club music from every corner of the world, all filtered through a strong New York Energy. From iconic London club nights to global stages, she’s serving up sounds that honour her South Asian roots. She sent us her diary.
Cosmo ME: What is your favourite heartbreak song?
ZEEMUFFIN: Has to be a tie between Me, Myself, and I by Beyoncé and Love Is a Losing Game by Amy Winehouse.
Cosmo ME: Tell us about your wildest night in the world.
ZEEMUFFIN: The best night I ever had was in 2015 at XOYO in London. I was with my sister, cousins, and some friends, and we were keen to have a night out. My brother-in-law Ricky is a huge grime fan, particularly of Skepta. We had no idea what to do that evening and literally googled, “grime show tonight” and happened to find that Benji B had curated a night at XOYO that featured Skepta and Kaytranada. We bought last-minute tickets that required entry as soon as the club opened at 9 pm.
What happened that night was absolutely insane – the line-up ended up being filled with surprises that we couldn’t have ever imagined. When we entered, Virgil Abloh was DJing and playing all types of New York and Chicago hip-hop mixed with Grime. Then we went to the other sections of the club and saw Bok Bok, who was smashing it. Eventually, we made our way downstairs, and Skepta came out, but then he brought out A$AP Rocky as a surprise guest, and he premiered his record “M’s” for the first time. Then he brings out JME and Mos Def! It was absolutely insane – it was the best of New York and the UK hip-hop in one room, and the cherry on top being Kaytranada closing the night. We didn’t stop dancing until 4 am and left the club completely on high from the music. Still the best night out of my life.
Cosmo ME: Tell us about the last time you cried.
ZEEMUFFIN: The last time I cried was after seeing images of children being starved in Gaza. I still cannot bear the pain of what is happening in Palestine, and it brings me to tears every time I see a child, woman, or man crying in desperation because of the man-made starvation they are suffering. It breaks my heart even more because of the added layer of feeling helpless to change the situation. It seems that we watch in horror and can’t do anything to end the suffering.
Cosmo ME: What is one thing no one knows about you?
ZEEMUFFIN: Despite having a job that requires me to be social and an extrovert all the time, I’m quite the homebody and really like to be alone for extended periods of time. I love being by myself.
Cosmo ME: If you weren’t a DJ, what would be your dream job?
ZEEMUFFIN: My dream job would be no job! Rather, I’d fill my days cooking, being in nature, spending time with people I love, reading, and writing. I’d love to learn how to grow my own vegetables and herbs, raise chickens and milk cows, and then cook fresh meals for my family and friends. Knowing myself though, I’d probably end up writing a cookbook. I really love to cook, entertain, and write!
Cosmo ME: What is your favourite hidden gem in the world?
ZEEMUFFIN: Wazir Khan Mosque in old Lahore, Pakistan. In the bustling streets of Delhi Gate, you come across this absolute wonder of a mosque that seemingly comes out of nowhere amidst all of the chaos. It is incredibly calming and breathtaking. Truly one of my favourite places in the world.
Cosmo ME: Who would be your dream girls’ night out crew?
ZEEMUFFIN: My sister Rubab and my cousins, Zahra, Fizza, and Sakina. We are known as the “Canal View Crew” because my family and I grew up in the Canal View neighbourhood of Lahore and spent many formative years of our lives becoming close there. They are my best friends and we always have the best time out together.
Cosmo ME: What is one fear you have?
ZEEMUFFIN: Not being able to create all the things I envision or see the world to the extent I want to before I die.
Cosmo ME: Tell us 3 hot-girl advice you would give to Cosmo readers.
ZEEMUFFIN: Be kind. Be grateful. Wear sunscreen every day.
Cosmo ME: What would you say to your younger self if you could?
ZEEMUFFIN: The only moment you have is now. Forgive and forget the past, don’t worry about the future, and live in the present. It’s all going to work out – I love you!
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