Habibi Funk Concerts

Experience Habibi Funk

Habibi Funk is the moniker of Beirut-based DJ and record label founder Tom Locke, celebrated for unearthing and reissuing rare Arabic funk, soul, and psychedelic music from the 1970s and 80s. Beginning as a blog in 2015, Habibi Funk quickly evolved into a highly respected record label dedicated to preserving and sharing this largely overlooked musical heritage.

Locke’s meticulous crate-digging across North Africa and the Middle East has brought artists like Rachid Taha, Omar Souleyman (early work), and The Pan-Egyptian Orchestra to wider international audiences. The label doesn’t simply re-release; it often meticulously restores original recordings, enhancing sound quality while respecting the original artistic intent.

Habibi Funk’s compilations – notably “Habibi Funk: An Arabic Funk Odyssey” – have garnered critical acclaim in publications like *Pitchfork*, *The Guardian*, and *Resident Advisor*. Beyond reissues, the label supports contemporary artists influenced by this vintage sound, fostering a connection between generations. Locke frequently DJs globally, showcasing these sounds and building a dedicated following for Arabic groove music.