Cheb Mimo is a DJ, curator, writer, label manager and music archivist with roots in Tunisia and Algeria. Having grown up in Tunisia and lived in Mexico and France before settling in London, he has developed a unique approach to DJing that blends deep musical research with dancefloor energy.
A true multi-genre selector, his sets explore sounds from across the globe, yet they are deeply rooted in the rhythms and melodies of North Africa and the Middle East—the sonic landscapes of his heritage. Whether weaving together jazz, reggae, rai, disco, or electronic music, his selections tell stories that transcend borders.
His NTS Radio residency, Shakshouka, is a testament to his deep musical research, offering an eclectic exploration of the region’s sounds, both past and present. On the dancefloor, he seamlessly adapts to different settings—delivering high-energy sets in packed clubs, immersive listening sessions filled with under-the-radar gems, or perfectly crafted warm-ups that set the mood for the night.
Cheb Mimo has played in cities worldwide, including New York, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai, Beirut, Paris, and London, where he is based. He has headlined iconic venues like Night Tales London, La Bellevilloise in Paris, and Honeycomb in Dubai, and performed at festivals such as Gala Festival & We Out Here in the UK, Mophradat in Brussels, and Woodstock in Tunis. He shared the stage with the likes of Nu Genea, Habibi Funk (b2b), Dar Disku (b2b), Analog Africa (b2b), My Analog Journal (b2b), Antal and others.
Beyond DJing, he is an influential force in music preservation and reissues. His collaborations with esteemed labels like Analog Africa and Habibi Funk have helped revive and contextualise rare North African recordings, including the rediscovery of Libyan reggae pioneer Ibrahim Hesnawi and the influential Tunisian label Ennagham. His expertise has also extended into music supervision for film and television, shaping the sonic identity of multiple projects.
Press
"A selection of raï tapes for all tastes by NTS resident Cheb Mimo, featuring everything from dance floor bangers to homesick ballads and avant-garde takes way ahead of their time." Full article on DAZED
"The New Arab Meets: North African selector and DJ, Cheb Mimo, whose efforts to uncover and share forgotten treasures are contributing to a revival of the region’s musical heritage at home and abroad." "Cheb Mimo and the UK's Maghreb Raï-naissance" THE NEW ARAB
The Raï-naissance By Mohamed Bel Hadj on BANDCAMP
"Crossing the Mediterranean: migration narratives in Algerian raï music - An interview with Cheb Mimo" on REFUGE WORLDWIDE