DJ Maruf is a Bangladeshi DJ and music producer with over 20 years of experience in the music industry. Known for hit tracks like “Babu Khaicho,” he has built a strong reputation for blending traditional Bangladeshi sounds with modern electronic music. We sat down with DJ Maruf to talk about his latest international collaboration “Come and Cool Me Down” with American band Mystical Joyride, his creative process, and his journey of taking Deshi music to the global stage.
Hi DJ Maruf, thanks for talking to us. How are you today, and what’s going on in your world right now?
Thanks for asking. I’m doing great by the grace of Allah. There’s a bit of pressure right now with shows and studio work, but I’m trying my best to balance both.
You’ve recently released a new single titled “Come and Cool Me Down” with the American band Mystical Joyride. How did this collaboration come about?
There’s an interesting story behind this collaboration. Mystical Joyride had a hit song called “Kala Kala.” When people were talking about that track, I made an official remix with their permission, and it became a hit as well.
After that, Mystical Joyride approached me for an original collaboration. I decided that they would sing the Bengali part, while I would create the rap section and handle the music production. That’s how the project started. They are very professional and hardworking couple—they completed their parts within just three to four days and sent me all the audio files.
How would you describe this single in terms of sound and style?
We tried to keep the track simple and groove-oriented. Since it’s based on a traditional Bangladeshi folk song, the idea was not to overcomplicate it. Overall, it’s an Indie Electro fusion with folk elements.
How was the process of completing the single?
I received a text from Joel van Dijk, who offered me this collaboration, and I immediately said yes. At that time, I was working on my track “Batash Kor.” We suddenly made a plan, and I approached Leah van King to sing the Bengali chorus.
Joel also added his beautiful flute and guitar performances to the track, which I absolutely loved. From the first communication to the final release, the whole process took about three months. The band did an amazing job, both in audio and visual production.
Where do you imagine this single being played?
Honestly, it’s a song for all moods. You can play it while kids are eating, or even when they don’t want to eat—just play it! [Laughs]
Tell us about the idea behind the music video.
I called Nidow Khan and told him we had finished a track and asked what was next. He told me not to worry and came up with the full plan. Through group discussions, we decided that Mystical Joyride would shoot their part in the USA, while we would shoot our portion here in Bangladesh.
We received their footage on November 19 and then planned our shoot with dance choreographer Alif. Finally, we completed everything by December 2.
Do you have any other projects in the pipeline for the next few months?
Of course, I do have future career plans, but I’d love to surprise my audience—so I won’t share the details just yet.
Do you have any message for the readers of deshidj.com?
DeshiDJ is a platform for DJs of Bangladesh, by DJs of Bangladesh. Bangladeshi DJs are doing great work these days. Support all Deshi artists, and support DeshiDJ as well, so our DJs can gain more international recognition.
