Vini Vici is a world-renowned Israeli electronic music project in the style of psychedelic trance, created by producers Aviram Saharai (Ayal Ashkelon) and Matan Kadosh (Matan Kaplan). The DJ duo is considered one of the most influential acts on the modern electronic scene, known for their powerful live performances, unmatched energy, and a signature sound that fuses traditional psytrance roots with contemporary EDM trends.
Origins and Formation
Ayal Ashkelon and Matan Kadosh were born in Israel — a country that became one of the epicenters of psychedelic music. Before founding Vini Vici, both artists were already well-known as members of the group Sesto Sento, which gained cult status in the mid-2000s.
Their desire to experiment and go beyond classic trance inspired the creation of a new project — Vini Vici, founded in 2013. The name comes from the Latin phrase Veni, Vidi, Vici — “I came, I saw, I conquered,” symbolizing confidence and the ambition to conquer the global scene.
Musical Style
Vini Vici’s sound blends powerful basslines, Goa trance rhythms, and ethnic vocal samples. Their tracks are instantly recognizable by hypnotic transitions and dense dynamic structures, making their performances explosive highlights at major festivals. The duo skillfully combines elements of psy trance, progressive house, and tribal house, creating a sense of spiritual and cultural unity.
Early Success
Their first major release, “The Tribe”, came out on the legendary Iboga Records label and quickly received support from leading DJs, including Armin van Buuren, Astrix, and Infected Mushroom. Follow-up tracks like “Namaste” and “Veni Vidi Vici” cemented their reputation as the new stars of psytrance.
Global Breakthrough and Iconic Hits
Their breakthrough came with “Great Spirit” — a collaboration with Armin van Buuren and Hilight Tribe. Blending trance rhythms, ethnic chants, and powerful production, the track became a worldwide hit and an anthem of festivals such as Tomorrowland, Ultra, and A State of Trance.
Another legendary release was their remix of “Free Tibet” by Hilight Tribe, which amassed over 200 million streams on YouTube and Spotify, becoming one of the most recognized psytrance tracks of all time.
Albums and Key Releases
- “Future Classics” (2015) — the debut album that became a milestone in the evolution of the genre, uniting cult tracks and showcasing the duo’s mature production style.
- “Part of the Dream” (2018) — a mini-album where they explored more melodic and club-oriented sounds.
- “In & Out” (2020) — a collaborative series with Timmy Trumpet, Blastoyz, and Liquid Soul, reflecting the ongoing evolution of their style.
Collaborations with Global Artists
Vini Vici have collaborated with many top-tier artists, bridging genres and audiences:
- Armin van Buuren — “Great Spirit”, “Yama”
- Steve Aoki — “Moshi Moshi”
- Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike — “Get in Trouble (So What)”
- Timmy Trumpet — “100”
- Astrix — “Adhana”
These collaborations helped bring psytrance into the mainstream and expand its audience to the scale of global EDM festivals.
Festivals and Global Tours
Vini Vici are regular headliners at the world’s biggest music festivals, including:
- Tomorrowland (Belgium)
- Ultra Music Festival (USA, Europe, Asia)
- Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)
- A State of Trance (Netherlands)
- Dreamstate and Transmission
Their live sets are celebrated for their hypnotic delivery, powerful visuals, and magnetic energy that creates an almost spiritual connection with the audience.
Modern Era and Influence (2020–2025)
In recent years, Vini Vici have continued to perform worldwide and release new material. Between 2023 and 2024, they dropped several impactful singles, including “Peace & Love” and “When We Dance”, reflecting a deeper and more refined sound. In 2025, the project marked its 10th anniversary of global success with the “Decade of the Tribe” tour.
Their work has greatly influenced the global psytrance scene and inspired a new generation of artists, including Blastoyz, Berg, and WHITENO1SE. Vini Vici have become a bridge between the underground and the mainstream of electronic music.
Interesting Facts
- Their track “Free Tibet (Remix)” is the most-streamed psytrance song in Spotify’s history.
- Both members hold educational masterclasses for young producers worldwide.
- The duo has over 4 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
- Their label, Iboga Records, is regarded as home to the world’s top psytrance artists.
Conclusion
Vini Vici is not just a music project — it’s a movement that reshaped the perception of psychedelic trance across the globe. Their mission is to unite cultures and people through sound, energy, and trance. With their creativity, experimentation, and deep passion for the stage, Vini Vici remain among the most influential figures in modern electronic music.
