International and local DJs to spin at Arabic dance music party Laylit

The event blends traditional sounds of shaabi, dabke, and mahraganat with Arabic pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music

Feb 12, 2024 at 10:38 am

A scene from a Laylit party. Instagram, @laylitparty

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard - Inline - Content",
            "component": "35519556",
            "insertPoint": "5th",
            "startingPoint": "3",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "3",
            "maxInsertions": 100
          }
          
        ]

Laylit, a collective that celebrates music from the Arab region and its diaspora, will be hosting a party in Detroit at Spot Lite this weekend. The night’s lineup of DJs will include Tammy Lakkis, a rising voice in Detroit’s electronic music scene, alongside fellow Detroiter aa3ع, plus MNSA from Montreal, and Laylit founder Saphe from New York City. Over the last five years, Laylit’s dance parties, which have been mainly held in NYC and Montreal, have become highly anticipated events offering a unique experience to North American nightlife. Each Laylit party gives DJs the freedom to uniquely showcase the musical diversity in the Arab region, blending traditional sounds of shaabi, dabke, and mahraganat with Arabic pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music. The collective hopes to create unity through these events by valuing inclusivity across cultures, languages, and identities. Tickets will be available at the door or can be purchased online before the event at Resident Advisor.

Slideshow

20 things to do in Detroit this weekend (Feb. 16-18)

Visionary NightWhen: Feb. 17 from 6-8:30 p.m.Where: The CommonsWhat: An open mic and art eventWho: The Vision DetroitWhy: The stage will be open for performers of any kind, plus art supplies will be provided for anyone who wants to chill and draw while enjoying the show.

Latin American RevoltsWhen: Feb. 16 from 6-8 p.m.Where: Garage CulturalWhat: A panel on the struggles against imperialism and neo-fascismWho: Pablo Abufom and the Michigan General Defense CommitteeWhy: Anti-capitalist writer Pablo Abufom, along with other activists, will share dialogue on perspectives about recent uprisings in Chile and Latin America, the historical and current resistance of the Palestinian people, and struggles for liberation in the US.

The Dirty ShowWhen: Feb. 16 and 17 from 7 p.m.-2 a.m.Where: Russell Industrial CenterWhat: An international erotic art exhibitionWho: Many artists and burlesque performersWhy: Enjoy over 300 pieces of art by over 200 artists from around the country and across the globe, plus an awesome stage show.

Johnny Cash - The Official Concert ExperienceWhen: Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m.Where: Fisher TheatreWhat: A multifaceted concert experienceWho: Johnny Cash fansWhy: The event will screen performances from The Johnny Cash TV show above the stage, accompanied by a live tribute band and singers.

Friday Night LightsWhen: Feb. 16 from 8 p.m.-midnightWhere: Rock Local Entertainment Cafe, Highland ParkWhat: Local poets and musiciansWho: Hosted by Knologie, featuring Detroit performers Brizzl and Drizzy Dria, with sounds by DJ Swoo.Why: The event is part of a week-long music, art, and poetry conference MAPCON hosted by Jewels of Detroit, inspired by the group’s summertime MAP Fest.

Nosaj Thing B2B Jacques GreeneWhen: Feb. 16 from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.Where: Leland City ClubWhat: Electronic dance musicWho: Nosaj Thing and Jacques GreeneWhy: The widely-known EDM DJs are currently on a North American tour.

Roses are PinkWhen: Feb. 16 from 10 p.m.-2 a.m.Where: Big PinkWhat: A Valentine’s Day R&B dance partyWho: Detroit DJs Blaaqgold and Donovan GloverWhy: Get lit to some soul-filling R&B music with your lover or in hopes of finding one.

Click to View 20 slides

Tags:

On tour Critics’ Picks Music Things to Do Laylit Spot Lite Detroit dance music Arab Americans in Metro Detroit

About The Author

Layla McMurtrie

Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about food, music, art, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between the Lines, Metromode, and other various Michigan publications.