Co-founder of Palestine’s Exist Festival, Odai Masri, has died
Odai Masri, known for his cultural activism and pivotal role in Palestinian electronic music, had been running events in the scene since 2006
Exist Festival co-founder Odai Masri, also known as ODDZ, has passed away.
Active in Ramallah's underground scene since 2006, Masri was a vibrant figure who pushed the boundaries of the dance music scene in Palestine.
Masri was not just a passionate event organiser, significantly contributing to the growth of electronic music within the region. He was the co-founder and curator of Exist Festival along with Bint Mbareh, a celebrated platform in Palestine's dance music scene.
Odai Masri was also one half of ANTS, an industrial techno project known for its relentless beats and heart-stopping kick-drums.
In an effort to bring Palestinian electronic music to a global audience, he ran the first Palestinian electronic record label, Harara Records. He was also the force behind Radio Nard, an online radio station dedicated to promoting Palestine's burgeoning electronic scene.
Root Radio, where ODDZ was one of the residents, posted a statement on Instagram on June 30, writing: “Hard to find words to describe this… Our friend, resident, brother, one of the closest people to Root community has left us today… We were your backbone and we will always carry your fight. Rest well beautiful soul…”
Odai Masri’s cause of death is yet to be confirmed. Only six days before his death, in an open and heartfelt social media statement, he shared the struggles he faced over the past three years due to mental and physical diseases, underlining the critical role his friends’ ve followers’ support network played in his recovery.
Read Root Radio’s statement on ODDZ’s passing below.
