This week, DJ Khaled has been sharing photos and videos across his social media from a private gathering with London-based cigar specialist Manu Harit, where the pair explored the world of premium Cuban cigars.

Harit travelled to meet the Grammy-nominated DJ and producer, with footage from the encounter showing the pair examining and tasting cigars alongside a selection of presentation boxes.

Khaled has a well-documented passion for premium cigars, with a particularly strong connection to Arturo Fuente. He has been photographed smoking the Dominican brand on numerous occasions and has also received personal deliveries from the company, including selections from its highly regarded OpusX range.

His meeting with Harit offered an opportunity to explore another side of the premium cigar world. A specialist in Cuban cigars and the wider world of Habanos, Harit has built an impressive career within London’s luxury cigar scene.

His career began at the Edward Sahakian Cigar Shop and Sampling Lounge at the Bulgari Hotel London, where he worked under the guidance of Eddie Sahakian. There, he was responsible for caring for and presenting cigars from the Sahakian collection.

He later became a cigar sommelier at Corinthia London, where he developed the hotel’s cigar collection, before going on to serve as Group Head Cigar Sommelier at The Arts Club.

Harit is also a Master of Havana Cigars, having completed the prestigious Higher Certificate qualification developed by Hunters & Frankau, the UK’s exclusive distributor of Habanos. He received the qualification in 2015/16 and was subsequently recognised as the youngest Master of Havana Cigars in the UK.

Today, Harit is the founder of MANUH Cigars and owner of The Tasting Room at The Peninsula London, where he curates a collection spanning both Cuban and New World cigars.

Khaled has long been open about his enthusiasm for cigars. In a 2024 interview with GQ, he spoke about travelling with cigars and lighters, as well as enjoying cigars while playing golf.

The meeting therefore brought together two significant figures from different corners of the premium cigar world: Khaled, whose public image has been associated with luxury cigars and Arturo Fuente, and Harit, whose expertise lies particularly in Cuban cigars and London’s high-end cigar trade.

Photos and videos from the gathering show the pair comparing cigars and enjoying a relaxed conversation, with Khaled laughing alongside Harit as they examine the selection.

It also appears this was not their first meeting, with Manu having showcased one of his own cigars and a Khaled-inspired humidor from his Manu collection back in May this year.

For Khaled, the encounter represents an opportunity to delve further into the world of Cuban cigars. For Harit, it is a high-profile connection as he continues to build his international reputation within the premium cigar industry.