Are you the friend who always takes charge of the aux at parties? The one who ditches Spotify for SoundCloud to set the perfect vibe on every road trip? Ever imagined doing that for life, and maybe even chasing global stardom? This might just be your chance.
Storm Shaker, the region’s most electrifying DJ competition, returns this December for its fifth edition, and this year’s prize could genuinely change someone’s life. That someone might be you.
Organized by the MDLBEAST Foundation as part of XP Music Futures 2025 in Riyadh, Storm Shaker isn’t just a talent contest. The winner gets more than just bragging rights, they secure a coveted performance slot at the world-renowned Soundstorm Festival, followed by a five-festival global tour. For aspiring DJs across the MENA region, its the ultimate career catapult from bedroom producer to the international stage.
Over its four previous editions, the competition has consistently delivered on its promise to spotlight exceptional talent and provide them with platforms that can transform careers overnight.
This year’s judging panel brings serious international firepower. Palestinian techno sensation Sama Abdulhadi, known for her electrifying sets at Boiler Room, Fabric, and Tomorrowland, joins as special guest judge. She’s accompanied by industry veterans including Baloo from MDLBEAST, Nikhil Chinapa of India’s Satellite Beachside, Milica Cvijetić from Croatia’s SEA STAR FESTIVAL, and DAOX, co-founder of Morocco’s MOGA Festival. Melting pot much?
Entering the competition is as simple as it gets- aspiring DJs submit 30-minute SoundCloud sets demonstrating their technical skills and musical storytelling abilities. Judges select ten standout contestants for semi-finals, where video submissions determine who advances to the live finale at XP Music Futures. There, finalists perform 30-minute sets before the full judging panel and a live audience, with the final two battling head-to-head for the Storm Shaker 2025 crown.
Beyond the winner’s extraordinary prize package, all four finalists receive flights, accommodation, stage time at XP Music Futures, and exclusive access to festival programming, making even just participation a significant career milestone, and hello? so much fun.
Submissions opened in August, so if this is you, or someone you know, what are you waiting for?
Find the application here.
Get more details on their Instagram @mdlbeast.foundation