French DJ and producer DJ Snake has released his third studio album Nomad, featuring the standout track Cairo Express inspired by Egyptian Mahraganat music. This November 2025 release blends global sounds and marks a fresh chapter in his career after years of travel and cultural exploration.
Album Overview and Release Details
DJ Snake dropped Nomad on November 7, 2025, as a 17-track project that mixes genres like reggaeton, hip-hop, and Afro-house. The album draws from his journeys across India, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East, creating a sound that feels both personal and worldwide.
Fans first heard hints of Nomad during his sold-out show at Stade de France in Paris earlier this year. He hosted a unique listening event at Le Bourget Airport, turning a hangar into an airport terminal with check-in desks and fake passports. This setup matched the album’s theme of movement and change, as planes roared outside while tracks played.
The album includes big names like Travis Scott, Future, J Balvin, Stray Kids, Amadou and Mariam, and Peso Pluma. Each collaboration adds a layer of diversity, showing DJ Snake’s skill in fusing styles without losing his electronic edge.
Cairo Express Track Breakdown
Cairo Express stands out as a nod to Egyptian street music, specifically Mahraganat, known for its raw energy and auto-tuned vocals. DJ Snake recorded parts of the track in Cairo, working with local talent like electro-shaabi artist Islam Chipsy.
The song opens with heavy bass and traditional instruments like tabla and mizmar flute. It builds into electronic drops mixed with sagat cymbals and distorted sounds, creating a high-energy vibe that captures Cairo’s fast-paced life.
Listeners describe it as a bridge between Western EDM and Middle Eastern rhythms. The track’s name plays on words, evoking speed and perhaps a nod to global brands, while reflecting the city’s chaotic charm.
This isn’t DJ Snake’s first dive into his roots. His 2022 hit Disco Maghreb honored his Algerian heritage with Arabic influences, setting the stage for more cultural blends in Nomad.
Mahraganat Influence and Cultural Ties
Mahraganat, a genre born in Cairo’s working-class neighborhoods, mixes hip-hop, electronic beats, and folk elements. It gained global attention in the 2010s through viral videos and has influenced artists worldwide.
DJ Snake’s take on it in Cairo Express adds his signature production, like sultry organ tones and heavy drops. Co-writers include Sven Grummel, Nicolas Petitfrere, Te Whiti Warbrick, and Islam Chipsy, ensuring an authentic Egyptian flavor.
Critics praise how the track avoids cultural clichés, instead offering a fresh, experimental sound. It fits Nomad’s goal of celebrating diversity, much like his past works that pulled from North African and Arab traditions.
Collaborations and Global Reach
Nomad shines with its guest features, each bringing unique energy:
- Tsunami with Travis Scott and Future: A high-octane hip-hop track with booming beats.
- Noventa with J Balvin: Infuses reggaeton vibes for a dancefloor hit.
- In The Dark with Stray Kids: Marks DJ Snake’s entry into K-pop, blending electronic and pop elements.
- Patience with Amadou and Mariam: Draws from African rhythms for a soulful touch.
- Teka with Peso Pluma: Adds Latin trap influences, expanding the album’s scope.
These partnerships show DJ Snake’s network and his push to connect music scenes across borders.
The album’s artwork, showing planes over vast landscapes, reinforces the nomad theme. It symbolizes his life on the road, from Paris roots to global tours.
Fan Reactions and Chart Performance
Early feedback on social media highlights excitement for Cairo Express. Fans share clips of dancing to its beats, calling it a perfect fusion that gets crowds moving.
On streaming platforms, Nomad hit top charts quickly. As of November 12, 2025, it tops electronic album lists on Spotify and Apple Music in several countries.
| Track | Featured Artist | Genre Influence | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo Express | None (feat. Islam Chipsy co-write) | Mahraganat/Electronic | 3:15 |
| Tsunami | Travis Scott, Future | Hip-Hop/Electronic | 3:45 |
| Noventa | J Balvin | Reggaeton | 2:50 |
| In The Dark | Stray Kids | K-Pop/Electronic | 3:20 |
| Patience | Amadou & Mariam | Afro-House | 4:10 |
| Teka | Peso Pluma | Latin Trap | 3:00 |
This table captures key tracks, showing the album’s range.
Some fans note the experimental risks, like the gunshot sounds in Cairo Express, spark debates on cultural representation. Overall, reactions lean positive, with many praising DJ Snake’s growth.
Future Plans and Impact
DJ Snake plans tours to promote Nomad, with stops in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He hinted at more music videos, including one for Cairo Express that might film in Egypt.
This album could boost Mahraganat’s global profile, similar to how his earlier tracks spotlighted other genres. It also ties into broader trends of cultural fusion in music, seen in recent hits from artists like Rosalía or Bad Bunny.
As music evolves, Nomad positions DJ Snake as a leader in blending worlds. Fans watch for how this influences his next moves.
What do you think of Cairo Express and the Nomad album? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to fellow music lovers.
