Over the past decade, VJing has evolved from a side attraction to a key, specialist component of live music events, transforming concerts, festivals and club nights into immersive audiovisual experiences.  Once exclusively denizens of the underground scene, VJs now populate mainstream shows, adding real-time visuals, projection mapping, and other AI-driven wizardry for a splash of verve.

LED technology and 3D mapping have allowed for increasingly sophisticated visual storytelling and—by seamlessly synchronizing with music—dynamic performances.  Electronic music festivals like Tomorrowland and Coachella have taken VJing to the next level; hip-hop and pop artists use it on tours. It's appeared in the Arab world, including at festivals such as Soundstorm and Balad Beast in Saudi Arabia.

Though it's a major component of modern live music, VJing continues to evolve. We've rounded up six names from the region for you to check out.

Maryam Tariq

A VJ artist and founder of The Golden Ratio, specializing in light and 3D mapping, with a background in digital production. Her surreal creations explore themes of spirituality, nature, and sacred geometry, transforming music into immersive visual storytelling. Since debuting The Golden Ratio in 2020, Maryam has illuminated major festivals and concerts, collaborating with DJs and producers to deliver multi-sensory experiences. Her work has been showcased at renowned events such as Noor Riyadh, Formula 1 in Jeddah, and other significant cultural celebrations across the region.

Noushka Farag

Noushka cut her teeth at the Sandbox Festival.  She's since made a name for herself in VJing, bringing her flair to numerous events, like the XP Music Futures Festival, lending visual fervour to music. Some notable shows are the Mohamed Abdelwahab tribute concert in Riyadh in 2022 and the Shorelines Festival by Nacelle, featuring Thievery Corporation. 

Suad

Suad is a visual artist specializing in 3D projection mapping, liquid shows, and lighting operation. She combines analog and digital techniques to craft immersive visuals that respond to sound and space, creating a dynamic, ever-evolving experience. By blending organic and digital elements, her work brings a distinct aesthetic to live performances. 

Supported by The Golden Ratio, she has showcased her art at venues like Attaché and Beast House and performed at major events in Saudi such as Groove on the Grass.

Nuur Taibah

Nuur Taibah headed the visuals work on XP Music Futures and cooked up the visuals for the hip-hop stage at X5. In 2024, she brought her audiovisual fireworks to Soundstorm, fusing it with extra gusto.  The visual dimension she's brought to performances has made them richer and more interactive. She is a prominent VJ on the Saudi scene.

John Dave

John Dave is a visual artist specializing in visual programming, interactive design, and multimedia installations. He is a co-founder of LO2S, which innovatively merges art and tech. John has brought welcome visual finesse to numerous performances, including the Grand Factory and other shows in Lebanon, giving shows a stronger punch.

Nurah Farahat

Nurah Farahat started as a multimedia designer and visual artist, specializing in VJ art. She has participated in numerous events and festivals, transforming shows into immersive audiovisual experiences.  Her work at Mapping Possibilities in Cairo has brought support to the indie art scene by giving experimental artists a platform to collaborate and showcase their work. She has also worked on developing accurate virtual reality environments at the AI Institute in Bremen.