URX: The cultural movement amplifying underrated DJs in Saudi Arabia

Arab News

2 days ago

Underrated X Community — URX — is a cultural movement that was born in Saudi Arabia with a mission to redefine how the region sees electronic music and underground talent.
Founded in late 2023 in Riyadh, URX was established to spotlight the often-overlooked DJs, producers and visual artists in the Kingdom and wider region.
Founders DJ Frozen (Sohaib Al-Borno) and DJ Mazo (Mohannad Reziqat) envisioned a homegrown ecosystem that supports emerging artists through events, collaborations and mentorship.
'We aim to support local talents and bring underrated DJs and electronic musicians into the spotlight,' Al-Borno told Arab News. 'There's a wealth of creativity in Saudi Arabia, but what's missing is visibility and access. That's where URX comes in.
'URX stands for Underrated X. The 'X' symbolizes the unknown, the future and the collaboration between disciplines,' Reziqat said.
The two founders have spent years embedded in the Kingdom's evolving creative scene.
Their collaborative mindset is reflected in the spaces they use; from Riyadh's The Warehouse and Merwas Studios to regional hotspots in Bahrain and Jordan, URX prefers to use what they see as authentic, immersive venues.
'We believe in opening doors,' Reziqat said. URX's events are 'about the story, the energy, and the people who show up. It's about creating a space where talent meets opportunity.
'Every URX edition is a platform to experiment,' he said. 'We work closely with filmmakers, designers and visual artists to elevate every event beyond music.
'We started with URX. The video they made for us, the attention to detail, the quality, the filming … that's what helped us rise in the scene. I truly want to thank them,' said a Riyadh-based DJ who goes by the name Immortal.
Since its debut event in 2024, URX's influence has grown steadily, supported by a loyal following of artists and music lovers.
They recently collaborated with PUBLIC restaurant in Riyadh, on July 27.
'The PUBLIC x URX night was electric,' Al-Borno said. 'It was one of those rare moments where everything clicked — the crowd, the music, the space. It confirmed that there's a real hunger for this kind of experience.'
URX also works to develop its artists, offering mentorship, production support and publicity.
'It's about who has something to say and giving them the tools to say it,' Al-Borno said.
'We're laying the foundation for the next decade of Saudi creativity,' Reziqat said. 'And that means investing in artists early, guiding them, and celebrating their uniqueness.'
URX is part of a larger cultural awakening in the Kingdom, aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which promotes creative industries and youth empowerment.
But while policy is top-down, URX is proudly grassroots, born from a genuine passion for local culture and artistic freedom.
'We're building what we want to see,' Al-Borno said.
'There's power in being underestimated,' Reziqat said. 'That's the spirit of URX. We take what's overlooked and make it unforgettable.'
As they prepare for future events, regional tours and international collaborations, URX remains committed to its mission — uplifting the underrated, creating unforgettable experiences and connecting Saudi Arabia's artistic energy with the world.