Mamdouh313: Owning His Space, On His Terms
Meet Mamdouh313 – DJ, multimedia artist, and soon-to-be graduate in International Cultural Project Management. Based in Gothenburg, Mamdouh is a creative powerhouse whose work spans music, event production, and grassroots community building. His mission? To carve out spaces where people feel free to show up exactly as they are.
In 2020, Mamdouh co-founded Not Your Habibi, a cultural initiative spotlighting queer artists, particularly those from the Middle East and North Africa. It's an unapologetic celebration of culture and identity—on his own terms.
“…Coming from the Global South, I’ve always felt this western expectation that my art should reflect struggle, like if it’s not about pain, it’s not valuable. That’s bullshit.”
“There’s something freeing about creating without the constant pressure to fit into someone else’s vision of what’s acceptable... I wanted to create a space where I could just exist without having to explain every move.”
That desire for authenticity has powered his work ever since. Whether behind the decks or organizing cultural events, Mamdouh pushes for representation that doesn’t ask permission.
“I’ve learned that when the opportunities aren’t given to you, you have to create them yourself. The process of creating something from nothing, when no one’s asking you to, is where the magic happens.”
His creativity is sparked by everything around him—from daily life in Gothenburg to digital subcultures and the evolving global art scene.
“I find inspiration everywhere. From the city I live in to the people I meet, to the sounds I grew up with… it’s all about paying attention to what's around me and then finding a way to reflect it in my work.”
Wearing the Denver Worker Vest, Devon Worker Jacket, and Rift Jeans in Stream Sky Retro, Mamdouh moves through the world with intention and style. But for him, good times aren’t about chasing trends or noise.
“Good times to me are about being in the moment, surrounded by people who understand and appreciate each other without judgment… Collaborating with other creatives, self development, dancing, friends, or just having a quiet moment where you reflect on what you’re doing and why it matters.”
Rather than idolizing anyone in particular, Mamdouh draws strength from those closest to him.
“I look up to all my friends who are carving their own path and staying true to themselves. It is so fulfilling seeing my friends and I achieving goals we used to discuss when we were younger and doing it without the need for approval or recognition.”
His personal style reflects the same philosophy—confident, instinctive, and rooted in self-expression.
“It’s all about owning your vibe, whether that’s in your sound or your style. For me, it’s about confidence and energy, maybe also a reflection of what I do.”
And the biggest life lesson?
“…For a long time, I struggled with the clash between my identity and the expectations of the culture I come from... My philosophy is simple: if you’re not doing it your way, it’s not worth it. There’s enough noise out there already. The best things happen when you let go of trying to control it all.”
This article originally appeared on drdenim.com. It has been lightly adapted.