Latest news with #Soundstorm
CairoScene
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Asayel Fires Back at Haters with ‘100/100'
The track frames self-belief as propulsion for the Saudi rapper's ambition, flipping criticism into fuel. Aug 14, 2025 Jeddah rapper Asayel returns with '100/100,' a fierce new single on MDLBEAST Records. A barbed response to doubters, it runs on assertive drums and a bruising low end while Asayel cuts through with tight wordplay and unflinching flow. The track frames self-belief as propulsion for her ambition, flipping criticism into fuel. It follows her breakout 'Asliyah' and live sets from MDLBEAST's Soundstorm to the label's London showcase in June, another clear marker from a rising Saudi hip-hop voice.
Vogue Arabia
06-06-2025
- Business
- Vogue Arabia
Breaking Records: Reflections From MDLBEAST's Ramadan Alharatani
Back in the 90s during the early days of satellite TV, Ramadan Alharatani would record mixtapes when music debuted on MTV, and sell them at gift shops. Then, when he went to high school in the United States, he would return to Saudi during holidays with suitcases full of CDs that hadn't yet reached local stores, reselling them at his uncle's record shop. He never imagined that his personal passion for music would evolve into something more. 'It's still hard to grasp that what was once an underground music scene in my hometown, Jeddah, would evolve to a thriving music scene globally,' says Alharatani, who, as CEO of MDLBEAST, has helped elevate the local industry to global prominence. It all started with Soundstorm – a milestone for musical performances in the Kingdom. 'It was the first public event where men and women could be in the same space, enjoying live music together at scale. It marked a cultural shift and opened the door for a more inclusive music entertainment offering,' he reflects. In 2021, the event saw 700,000 attendees over four days, becoming a large-scale, multi-genre festival attracting visitors from Saudi and beyond. MDLBEAST's other flagship events – XP Music Futures, Balad Beast and A Thousand and One – spotlight talent while also supporting the next generation of Saudi artists through workshops and networking opportunities. And, its record label helps emerging Saudi talent release original music and reach global audiences. The platform has brought international stars to Saudi's sands too, from Eminem and Metallica to Camila Cabello and David Guetta. 'One thing global performers consistently highlight is the electric energy of Saudi crowds, who are young, passionate and deeply engaged,' shares Alharatani. Photo: MDLBEAST MDLBEAST is elevating the nation's offering of music festivals and events, and it's doing so within a cultural framework. At Keinemusik in AlUla for instance, the programme incorporated prayer breaks. 'This balance of global and local is key to our identity,' says Alharatani. 'Ultimately, music creates a sense of community. On the dance floor, people from different backgrounds, cultures, and countries come together, united by a shared love for music. It's in those moments that we focus on what connects us, not what separates us. With lights that illuminate the desert sky, and added effects from drones, pyrotechnics, lasers and massive LED screens, the festival has made international headlines as a 'Saudi rave'. This year, MDLBEAST plans to inaugurate a HiFi listening bar in Jeddah's historic Al-Balad as well as a members-only pool club concept, in addition to ongoing Esports World Cup and Formula 1 events. The momentum is only escalating, according to Alharatani: 'We're excited to keep growing, breaking Arab artists internationally, expanding our reach and working with partners to continue building a creative and subcultural ecosystem for the next generation.'
Al Arabiya
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Arabiya
Guns N' Roses to rock Saudi Arabia's Riyadh in anticipated performance
Legendary US hard rock band Guns N' Roses will perform in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh for the first time on Friday, an event presented by MDLBEAST. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MDLBEAST (@mdlbeast) The band will take center stage at the Kingdom Arena, with a capacity of 28,000 attendees, performing its hits that have shaped generations to the eager crowd. The stop in Saudi Arabia is part of Guns N' Roses' global tour, which will also bring it to other Middle Eastern countries. With a rich catalogue, the band is known for classic hits such as Sweet Child O' Mine, November Rain and Knockin' On Heaven's Door. The latest performance in Saudi Arabia reflects the effort Saudi-based MDLBEAST entertainment company has been exerting in changing the entertainment and music scene in the Kingdom. MDLBEAST is behind the Soundstorm festival, that has been dubbed 'the loudest music festival in the region,' and that is known for its impressive lineup of celebrities that previously included performances by Post Malone, Bruno Mars, DJ Snake and David Guetta along with local and regional talent.
Arab News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
A Thousand and One festival amplifies the Kingdom's music scene
RIYADH: Crowds from across the world flocked to attend A Thousand and One, MDLBEAST's new festival concept, where global musicians like DJ Snake and R3hab have come to Saudi Arabia to perform. The dance music festival is equipped with four stages — Sahaab, Bustan, Qafilah, and Qasr — each designed with their own sub-theme under the main concept, inspired by the timeless folktale. 'I think (the theme) is really smart. It's a good way to attract Saudi people as well as the expats,' Irma Saric from Bosnia told Arab News. She came to the festival alongside her friend, Ifeta Selimovic. The two Bosnians have been living in Saudi Arabia for several years and were excited to see a DJ from their home country, Salvatore Ganacci, on stage. 'What attracted me the most is the diversity in techno music and how there's a mix of culture, but yet it's so modern here … The music scene in Saudi is amazing. I love everything about it. I love the diversity the most. I love how they're also trying to mix Arabic music with modern beats,' Saric told Arab News. Selimovic is a regular attendee of MDLBEAST's events, including its flagship Soundstorm festival, and was excited to see DJ Snake and Turkish DJ Mahmut Orhan alongside Ganacci. 'I love the DJs a lot, the atmosphere, how they made this whole concert and everything. And I love, also, 'her' zone, because it's only us girls gathering and having fun … You are in your own world. You are just focusing on the music, and that's it, and it's not too crowded,' she told Arab News. Located in Banban, where Soundstorm's underground section took place, the four stages have transformed into magical, folkloric sets. The Qasr stage is inspired by a sultan's palace with Arabian architecture, where electronic and experimental sounds take over; the Qafilah stage echoed the spirit of camel caravans and Saudi Arabia's rich trading heritage, with tech house and melodic beats; the Bustan stage is a lush, immersive garden experience inspired by the ancient 'Kalila Wa Dimna' tales, featuring a diverse mix of genres; while the Sahaab stage was inspired by Aladdin's flying carpet. The festival also features the Bizarre Bazaar, a reimagined Middle Eastern souq where music, food, art, and culture collide. 'These kinds of festivals only happen, like, every three months, so I love to come and dance and have fun,' Saudi attendee Fares Alkudsi, who came especially for DJ Snake, said. 'The music scene has been good here ever since, but before 2019 there was not much attention to it, so now they're giving a lot of attention to the youth, they're giving a lot of attention to the artists that we love, so it's a good thing for us.' William Shakkour, from Syria but born and raised in Saudi Arabia, decided to attend the festival on a whim, and said it reminded him of the first edition of Soundstorm. 'It was basic, simple, and fantastic, so I think in the next versions, it (A Thousand and One) will be better than this one,' he told Arab News. 'Saudi Arabia has become an icon for music festivals, for the Red Sea Festival, for cinemas, for everything. I think in the near future, it will be the icon of the Middle East in different ways, like cinema, music festivals, and all the other things (in) entertainment,' he said. Vinyl Mode has been a part of the underground music scene for two decades, where many local DJs convened for the love of music, and he has since performed on countless stages during his career. On Thursday, he closed off the Sahaab stage with his house music set. 'I am excited because it's a very new concept. We are used to the massive production at the end of the year, and I have been always thinking, 'well, you know, what if we do something mid-year,' and it's happening, but with style,' he told Arab News. 'What makes it special is that it's a new moment, a new feeling, a new experience.' Hyped-up Saudi crowds have become a testament to the strength and growth of the music landscape in the region. 'The people (are) loving the music, the people getting more, learning more, being more educated. So I believe we are very lucky to be a part of this movement,' he said.
See - Sada Elbalad
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Metallica to Perform in UAE & Bahrain in December
Rana Atef Metal legends Metallica will come to the Middle East in December for two concerts. On December 3, the legends will perform during the after-race concerts as part of the 2025 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Yas Island, near Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Tickets to the After-Race Concerts are exclusive to those who have Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders. The Grand Prix appearance will mark the third time METALLICA has performed in Abu Dhabi. The band made its debut on Yas Island in 2011 and returned two years later. On December 6, the heavy metal giants will make their Bahrain debut at Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre. The last time Metallica performed in the Gulf was at Soundstorm in Saudi Arabia. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
