Idriss D

Idriss D has been surrounded by music since early childhood. His grandfather, Zerouala El Aarbi, was a renowned musician in Algeria, and his uncles were prolific artists who gathered every Friday at his grandmother’s house to play Chaabi and other traditional sounds. Growing up in this rich musical environment, Idriss developed a deep connection to rhythm and culture from an early age.

Later, he fell in love with Funk, Disco, and various forms of Black music, inspired by radio shows he faithfully listened to and recorded each evening, as well as the influence of his friend Nadir, a DJ from Constantine. In the early 1990s, Idriss discovered the club scene in Algiers and was particularly inspired by Adel and Chafik, two iconic DJs whose mixtapes circulated widely across the Maghreb. It was Chafik who gave Idriss his first opportunity to play, inviting him to perform after his set at the Rai Hamidou Club.

After moving to Italy, Idriss worked at INA, a major insurance company, to support his growing passion for music. Three years later, he opened his own record shop and began organizing small parties in Mantova. His exceptional mixing skills, unique style, and hypnotic dancefloor energy quickly established him as one of the most exciting emerging talents in the Italian scene.

His dedication and perseverance led to widespread recognition, performing at some of the most renowned venues including Echoes, Cocoricò, Red Zone, Angels of Love, and Mafia Club. He remains a resident at Cocoricò in Riccione, one of Europe’s most iconic clubs. His label, Memento, also hosts weekly events at the Macarena Club in Barcelona.

Internationally, Idriss D has toured extensively, playing at legendary venues such as Tresor, Watergate, and Kater Blau in Berlin, Club 4 and El Row in Barcelona, Rex in Paris, Nordstern in Basel, Amnesia Milano, and Privilege Ibiza.

Beyond his DJ career, Idriss founded dbArtists, an agency that became a key force in Italian nightlife and party culture, representing both international and national talent. The agency formed exclusive partnerships with Minus, Clonk, and Freak N Chic, and later represented Cadenza and Luciano.

Over more than a decade, Idriss has built a strong international reputation through his imprint Memento Records, signing and collaborating with artists such as Carl Craig, Luciano, Ten Walls, and The Analogue Cops, while also supporting gifted underground producers including Lino Pugliese, Acirne, and many others.