Brazilian DJ and philanthropist ALOK delivered a groundbreaking performance at the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, transforming the Sahara Stage into a living art installation that redefined the role of a DJ in the modern music landscape.
Amidst a rapidly changing cultural and technological environment, ALOK’s set stood as a powerful statement to “Keep Art Human,” emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human creativity in an increasingly automated world.
A Cinematic Fusion of Music, Dance, and Purpose
Collaborating with his creative team, led by Fabio Soares — renowned for his work on the Rio 2016 Olympic Opening Ceremony — ALOK crafted a performance that seamlessly blended music, dance, and visual art. The set unfolded in thematic acts, each exploring different facets of human experience and connection.
The opening act, titled “Future,” featured Urban Theory, an internationally acclaimed dance crew known for their intricate “tutting” choreography. Dressed in futuristic attire, the dancers performed synchronized movements that mimicked robotic gestures, blurring the lines between human and machine. The centerpiece of this segment was a large-scale interactive panel, highlighting the precision and artistry of human movement.
View this post on Instagram
At the heart of the stage stood two monumental sculptural hands, symbolizing the most ancient and essential tool of human creation. What appeared at first to be an AI-generated spectacle quickly revealed itself as a celebration of raw human talent and collective expression.
Surprise Collaborations Elevate the Experience
The performance featured surprise guest appearances that added depth and energy to the set. Longtime collaborator Zeeba joined ALOK to perform their global hit “Hear Me Now,” turning the Sahara Tent into a massive sing-along. The show then transitioned into its second act, centered on nature, where dancers used fluid, organic movement to evoke trees, waves, and fire — reminding the audience of humanity’s deep connection to the Earth.
ADVERTISEMENT
As the energy reached its peak, pop sensation Ava Max took the stage to perform a special remix of her hit “Sweet But Psycho,” followed by her and ALOK’s dance-pop anthem “Car Keys (Ayla),” driving the crowd into a frenzy.
A Bold Statement: “Keep Art Human”
The finale was a poignant moment of unity and revelation. Urban Theory removed their masks, revealing their faces and celebrating together onstage, symbolizing the triumph of human identity and expression. ALOK stepped out from the DJ booth to unveil the bold message: “KEEP ART HUMAN.” This declaration resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the performance’s central theme.
ALOK’s Commitment to Cultural and Environmental Advocacy
Beyond his musical achievements, ALOK is a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for environmental and Indigenous rights. His humanitarian project and album The Future Is Ancestral were lauded by UNESCO and the United Nations, earning a Latin Grammy nomination. The album has been performed at the UN headquarters in New York, the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, and the Global Citizen Festival.
As Brazil’s official ambassador to COP30, ALOK continues to amplify Indigenous voices and environmental causes through the ALOK Institute, which has invested over $10 million in high-impact social projects across Brazil, Africa, and India.
With over 33 million monthly Spotify listeners and 5 billion streams, ALOK is celebrated for collaborations with global icons like Kylie Minogue, Bebe Rexha, John Legend, and Anitta. Widely regarded as one of the most influential Brazilian artists of all time, his show-stopping performances regularly draw crowds of over 500,000 in Brazil and, in some cases, over a million.
Navigating Challenges in the Global Music Industry
ALOK’s Coachella performance also highlighted the challenges faced by international artists in the current global climate. Amidst growing concerns over changing U.S. visa policies, which have affected artists from various countries, ALOK expressed his gratitude for being able to perform at the festival. He noted that while visa issues have historically been challenging for Brazilians, recent policy changes are now impacting artists from Europe and elsewhere.
ADVERTISEMENT
Despite these challenges, ALOK remains committed to his mission of bringing people together through music and art, emphasizing the importance of human connection in his performances.
