“ADIRA” is a slang term in Arabic used in Levantine queer cultures, signifying someone with a strong presence who is capable and accomplished. Founded in 2023 by Lebanese artist and DJ Hassandra and Syrian-German podcaster and DJ Zuher Jazmati (aka xanax_attax), ADIRA is a queer Arabic-pop party series that challenges orientalist stereotypes and celebrates the diversity of queer Arab* identities. Our mission is to revive the nostalgia of 80s, 90s, and early 00s Arabic-pop music, honoring iconic divas like Nawal El Zoghbi, Haifa Wehbe, and Assala.
As a collective, ADIRA is dedicated to curating community events, panels, drag shows, and workshops that strengthen the community and enable space for individual growth. We provide a platform for both emerging and established Arab* talents in Berlin and beyond, whether they are DJs spinning beats or drag performers captivating audiences. Our commitment to creating a safe(r) environment and fostering community connections welcomes allies and lovers of Arabic music to join us in celebrating Arab* cultures.
ADIRA’s approach has cemented its place in Berlin’s artistic landscape. In June 2024, ADIRA collective launched the first-ever Arab* Drag Festival, a historic event featuring over 30 Arab* artists from Berlin and other cities. The one-day festival included workshops, panel discussions, and performances, drawing more than 700 attendees from across Europe and receiving extensive media coverage, marking a significant milestone for the queer Arab* community.
The visual language for ADIRA featured custom lettering of the Arabic spelling morphing as a body in action. The lettering makes for a highly memorable and modular brand mark as a container for images or a base for three-dimensionality.
*Note: Arab* denotes a diversity of identities and ethnicities within Southwest Asia and North Africa.
Arabic typeface (ADIRA Drag Festival): Meghli by Sayed Kammoun for Mojo Ink
ADIRA is a queer Arabic-pop party series that challenges orientalist stereotypes and celebrates the diversity of queer Arab* identities.
“ADIRA” is a slang term in Arabic used in Levantine queer cultures, signifying someone with a strong presence who is capable and accomplished. Founded in 2023 by Lebanese artist and DJ Hassandra and Syrian-German podcaster and DJ Zuher Jazmati (aka xanax_attax), ADIRA is a queer Arabic-pop party series that challenges orientalist stereotypes and celebrates the diversity of queer Arab* identities. Our mission is to revive the nostalgia of 80s, 90s, and early 00s Arabic-pop music, honoring iconic divas like Nawal El Zoghbi, Haifa Wehbe, and Assala.
As a collective, ADIRA is dedicated to curating community events, panels, drag shows, and workshops that strengthen the community and enable space for individual growth. We provide a platform for both emerging and established Arab* talents in Berlin and beyond, whether they are DJs spinning beats or drag performers captivating audiences. Our commitment to creating a safe(r) environment and fostering community connections welcomes allies and lovers of Arabic music to join us in celebrating Arab* cultures.
ADIRA’s approach has cemented its place in Berlin’s artistic landscape. In June 2024, ADIRA collective launched the first-ever Arab* Drag Festival, a historic event featuring over 30 Arab* artists from Berlin and other cities. The one-day festival included workshops, panel discussions, and performances, drawing more than 700 attendees from across Europe and receiving extensive media coverage, marking a significant milestone for the queer Arab* community.
The visual language for ADIRA featured custom lettering of the Arabic spelling morphing as a body in action. The lettering makes for a highly memorable and modular brand mark as a container for images or a base for three-dimensionality.
*Note: Arab* denotes a diversity of identities and ethnicities within Southwest Asia and North Africa.
Arabic typeface (ADIRA Drag Festival): Meghli by Sayed Kammoun for Mojo Ink