Courtesy of Sole DXB
There are quite a few exciting music festivals coming up across the Middle East this fall. Read on for the ones on our radar.
One Africa Music Fest, Dubai
November 16
Afrobeat fans will revel in the line-up for the One Africa Music Fest. Artists set to hit the stage of the Dubai Festival City Arena include Nigerian singers Wiz Kid (Come Closer, Energy, Caro), Tekno, and Davido, as well as Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie. What’s more, Jamaican dancehall legend Kranium will also be performing some of his biggest hits, including Nobody Has to Know and Can’t Believe It. Tickets for the hotly-anticipated music festival can be purchased for AED 150 a pop at dubai.platinumlist.net — But hurry, they’re selling out fast.
Yasalam After-Race Concerts, Abu Dhabi
November 23 – 25
In November, scores of people will descend upon Yas Island for the the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. And while it’s the races that most are keen to attend, the slew of artists performing at the after-race concerts prove to be just as thrilling as the racetrack action. This year’s line-up includes singer and songwriter Sam Smith, who will be joining other headliners The Weeknd, Post Malone, and legendary rock band Guns N’ Roses. The Yasalam After-Race Concerts are typically held alongside Beats on the Beach, a series of free concerts held in the Corniche, though performances have yet to be announced. Watch this space.
Sole DXB, Dubai
December 6-8
The music line-up for Sole DXB was announced last week, and it’s a good one. Set to perform at this year’s edition of the region’s biggest urban and street culture festival is iconic rapper Nas, who is taking the baton from last year’s headliners Pusha T, Goldlink, and Kano. The music legend will be joined by a mish-mash of local and international talents, such as Dubai-based artists Reem Ekay and Zenden Lavon, as well as part-Syrian rapper Chyno. They will take the stage alongside grime artist Giggs and DaniLeigh, a Los Angeles-based singer who was mentored by Prince. Also on the bill across the weekend are South African rapper Sho Madjozi, one of the first female rappers Roxanne Shante, genre-bending Masego, R&B duo Lion Babe, dancehall artist F1DEL, and up-and-coming Northampton MC Slowthai.
Beirut & Beyond International Music Festival, Beirut
December 6-9
Founded in 2013 in partnership with Oslo World Music Festival, this Lebanese festival has established itself as a platform for supporting and promoting the emerging and established Arab artists that are shaping the music scene in the region. This year’s edition of the four-day music fest will see local talent hailing from Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, and Morocco, in addition to performers from Norway and beyond. Stay tuned for the announcement of the official line-up, which promises to be “exceptional and diverse”.
Groove On The Grass, Dubai
December 7
Groove on the Grass, the region’s biggest electronic music and art festival, has this week announced the line-up for its second edition, set to take place at the Emirates Golf Club next month. Electronic music lovers can look forward to catching some of their favorite artists and DJs live in action, including David August, who is headlining with a live, audiovisual performance after a year-long hiatus. Other performers in the lineup are Danny Daze, Redshape, Chloé, and Gigi Masin.
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