Beirut May 4th, 2018. Famed Lebanese DJ & Producer RODGE recently released yet another inspirational single “BEIRUT”. Featuring NINA ABDEL MALAK, “BEIRUT” aims at shedding light on the positive aspects of the capital, its simplicity and the good life that prevails.
The single was first heard on April 13, at The Village – Dbayeh, in the presence of over 3,000 guests. April 13 is a black date that takes us back to 1975, at the outset of the Lebanese Civil War. In turn, RODGE significantly chose this very date with the ambition to turn it into a day we celebrate music, positivity, high spirits and the love of life, shouting out loud, “Never Again!” through great music.
“When creating the track “BEIRUT”, I tried to reflect my undying love for the city. Ever since I was a child, Lebanon has given me so much, I felt I simply had to give something back, and what better way to do so than with a song? Music is my passion, and so is my country. And more so it’s capital, Beirut is a city that never stops, one that’s packed with history and culture and a spirit that never fails to amaze and inspire me. Since music is how I communicate with the world, I tried to use it to depict the true, authentic spirit of this city, which is sadly tarnished in the eyes of some,” explains RODGE.
“BEIRUT” is RODGE’s sixth single, and perhaps the one that most closely represents his passion, inner loves and inspirations. The melody combines the heritage and culture of Lebanon with the beating music of today. His inspiration when writing Beirut was an overwhelming drive to capture the hearts of people of all ages, cultures and passions, “BEIRUT” is for everyone. This song is addressed to everybody who hears it; its varying nuances are made to touch each and every one of us in a distinctive, personal manner. The acclaimed DJ’s choice of singer was easy, the wonderful NINA ABDEL MALAK was his first option. “She represents energy, talent and inspiration and her voice carries a lot of character that fit the profile perfectly,” says RODGE.
Instagram: @RODGEMUSIC
“Beirut” is now available on iTunes, Anghami & Shazzam
ABOUT DJ RODGE:
RODGE is a name that most clubbing aficionados in the world know and respect. His success in the Middle East is the stuff of legends, and RODGE’s acclaim has helped land him opening slots at some of the biggest gigs and concerts around, including Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran and Jennifer Lopez in Dubai as well as Sia, Sean Paul, Shakira, Chris Brown, Enrique Iglesias, Tinie Tempah, Jason Derulo, Bryan Adams, David Guetta, Kygo, Armin Van Buuren, the list is impressive and always growing. One of RODGE’s personal highlights came when he played at Pia Mia’s Birthday Party at the Hyde, Las Vegas.
Internationally, RODGE has been making waves with the release of several of his own singles. “Done Looking for Love” was his first, hitting 2.5-million downloads, making it the biggest track ever released by a regional DJ on ANGHAMI (the Middle East’s answer to Spotify). R Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly’s” official dance cover version featuring UK band Rough Copy reached over half a million downloads.
His third single, “Words” reached Number 4 on Lebanon’s 2017 year-end chart. His latest release, the pop hit featuring LA-based singer MEERAH, called “One Night”, reached Number 1 on Lebanon’s Official Chart, as well as on SHAZAM for two weeks. “One Night” also passed 1 million downloads on ANGHAMI.
RODGE remixed the official “3 Daqat” (by Abu featuring Yusra) dance mix – released this January. This latest track has over 100 million views on YouTube.
Easily the most celebrated DJ in the region, RODGE has multiple weekly residencies; Thursdays at BO18 Beirut and/or WHITE Dubai, Fridays at The Village Dbayeh, Saturdays at Igloo Mzaar, Nammos in Mykonos. This wave of success led to RODGE being named “Best DJ and Club Promoter” by the Syndicate of Clubs and Restaurants of Lebanon in both 2016 and 2017. In summer 2017, he was given the title of Ambassador of Culture and Music to the Youth by the students of the Universities Social Club.
In 2018, his touring schedule will include gigs in Las Vegas, New York, Mykonos, Paris, Miami, Ibiza, Dubai, Doha, Egypt and beyond.
RODGE is not only passionate about music, but also believes deeply in helping others. He loves working for a cause and is heavily involved in supporting NGOs, both locally and on the global level. He was recently chosen to be the Road Safety Advocate for KUNHADI as well as the Ambassador of the Brave Heart Association – a foundation that provides medical care to children with heart disease. He is also a board member of Animals Lebanon, a foundation that works to save and shelter animals of all kinds. His commitment to charity extends to several other foundations like SOS Children’s Village, Children Cancer Center Lebanon (CCCL), to name a few.