Arabesque is a UK-born DJ duo formed by long-term friends Nadine (Libyan/Serbian) and Shayma (Iraqi). Rooted in the SWANA music diaspora, their sets centre SWANA disco, funk and electronic sounds, while uniquely moving across genres, eras and borders. Their musical collaboration began in radio, hosting a show dedicated to exploring music from across the globe while discussing the political and social histories that shaped it. From Arabic funk and Libyan reggae to Brazilian sambass and beyond, Arabesque developed a shared language that treats music and dancing as a tool for connection and resistance. As UK-born women with deep ties to Arab and Balkan cultures, Arabesque’s sound is shaped by the second-generation immigrant experience — navigating the distance from their heritages while seeking reconnection through music. Their sets champion underrepresented non-Western sounds and place them in conversation with disco, house and electro. Their DJ career took off in Bristol, where they became residents at The Jam Jar, also playing at venues such as Strange Brew and Trinity Centre, before bringing their sound to London floors including The Carpet Shop and Brixton Jamm. At its core, Arabesque is a collaborative project built on friendship, culture, and a deep shared love of music.