Real Name: Fadil El Ghoul
Date of Birth: April 2, 1986
Place of Birth: Breda, Netherlands
Genres: EDM, Progressive House, Future House, Pop-Dance
Years Active: 2008 — Present
Label: CYB3RPVNK
Early Life
Fadil El Ghoul, known worldwide as R3HAB, was born in Breda, the Netherlands — the true "capital of EDM," also home to Tiësto, Hardwell, and Afrojack. Coming from a Moroccan family, he was exposed from an early age to a wide range of musical influences — from traditional rhythms to modern dance music.
In his teenage years, R3HAB developed a passion for DJing and started producing his first tracks, experimenting with sound. What began as a hobby soon turned into a career goal: inspired by the local club scene, he set his sights on becoming one of the world’s leading DJs.
Career Beginnings
R3HAB’s first breakthrough came in 2008 with his collaboration with Hardwell on the track “Mrkrstft”. The song received support from stars like David Guetta, Calvin Harris, and Laidback Luke, making a significant impact on the European EDM scene.
His energetic sound, combining hard-hitting drops with melodic passages, quickly distinguished him from other young producers. Soon after, R3HAB teamed up with Afrojack to release “Prutataaa”, which became an international club anthem.
Global Recognition
From 2012 to 2015, R3HAB experienced a rapid rise to fame. He produced numerous remixes for global hits — from “Scream & Shout” (Will.i.am & Britney Spears) to “Don’t Stop the Party” (Pitbull). His collaboration “How We Party” with VINAI entered multiple international charts and cemented his reputation as a key architect of the 2010s EDM sound.
By 2016, he had evolved his style, merging club energy with pop sensibility. His singles increasingly reached radio audiences, not just festival crowds.
Albums and Musical Evolution
- 2017 — “Trouble”: R3HAB’s debut album introduced a softer, more melodic side. Tracks like “Icarus” and “You Could Be” became Spotify hits.
- 2018 — “The Wave”: a blend of EDM and pop-dance featuring “Lullaby” (feat. Mike Williams), “Flames”, and “Rumors”.
- 2021 — “To the World”: showcased his global perspective with collaborations featuring HRVY, Clara Mae, and Sigala.
- 2023 — “Renaissance”: a reimagining of EDM infused with future house, progressive pop, and afrobeats. Tracks like “Rock My Body” (with INNA & Sash!) and “Sad Boy” (feat. Jonas Blue, Ava Max, Kylie Cantrall) charted across Europe.
Collaborations and Partnerships
R3HAB has worked with some of the biggest names in music. His collaborators include:
- ZAYN — “Flames”
- Ava Max — “Sad Boy”
- Afrojack — “Shockwave”
- Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike — “All Around The World”
- Luis Fonsi — “Pues”
- Ellie Goulding — remix of “Love Me Like You Do”
- INNA — “Rock My Body” (viral TikTok hit of 2023)
He has also produced official remixes for Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Drake, and Maroon 5.
CYB3RPVNK Label
In 2018, R3HAB launched his own label and radio show, CYB3RPVNK, aimed at supporting emerging talent and advancing new forms of EDM. Today, the label is renowned for its future house, big room, and pop-dance releases, with its artists frequently charting on Beatport and 1001Tracklists.
Performances and Tours
R3HAB is a regular performer at the world’s largest festivals, including Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, EDC, Coachella, and Creamfields. His live sets combine festival energy with unique mashups. In 2024, he launched the massive “CYB3RPVNK World Tour”, covering over 30 countries.
Achievements
- Over 10 billion streams across Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music
- Ranked in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs (Top 15 since 2022)
- Resident performer at the world’s leading EDM festivals
- Multiple platinum and gold certifications across Europe and Asia
- More than 500 million Spotify streams for “Rock My Body”
Personal Life
R3HAB maintains a private lifestyle, rarely sharing details about his personal life. However, he regularly connects with fans via social media, sharing glimpses of his tours, studio sessions, and travels. In interviews, he often emphasizes the importance of balance between success and inner peace.
Recent Work
In 2024–2025, R3HAB continues to evolve his sound, blending EDM with Latin Pop, Afrobeat, and Asian pop culture. He frequently collaborates with artists from Japan, Korea, and Latin America, strengthening his position as a global EDM ambassador.
He is also involved in charitable initiatives supporting music education and accessibility for children in developing countries.
Legacy
R3HAB is a symbol of the new generation of EDM — an artist who unites dancefloors across the globe. His journey is a testament to how talent, discipline, and openness to experimentation can sustain success for over a decade. Today, he continues to inspire young DJs, creating music that bridges club energy with mainstream appeal.
