The XP Music Futures event held in Riyadh brought together a remarkable blend of global musical talent, providing a vibrant platform for artists and professionals in the music industry. Hosted in the Jax District of Diriyah, the event not only showcased an incredible range of international performers but also created valuable opportunities for those working within the music sector. This three-day celebration of music, culture, and innovation marked the beginning of Riyadh’s Music Week, a pivotal occasion in the region’s growing influence on the global music scene.
Riyadh Music Week, an extensive series of events, is set to feature a number of iconic gatherings, such as the Global Music Makers Summit, the Billboard Arabia Music Awards, and the Music Cities Convention Awards. One of the most eagerly awaited events of the week is Soundstorm 2024, a music festival set to draw significant attention, with performances from some of the most well-known artists from around the globe.
The XP Music Futures event itself took place from December 5 to December 7 and was structured to offer attendees both daytime and nighttime activities. The daytime programming, referred to as XP DAY, featured an array of insightful workshops, panel discussions, and presentations led by an impressive roster of speakers from around the world. These sessions offered attendees a unique chance to engage with industry leaders, learn from their experiences, and gain valuable insights into the future of music.
In contrast, XP NITE was designed to provide a dynamic and energetic nighttime experience, where regional promoters, event organizers, and record labels took over the multiple stages of Jax District. The NITE programming featured an eclectic mix of music genres, from local sounds to international hits, offering something for every music lover. The vibrant atmosphere created during XP NITE made it an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
Bader Assery, the senior project manager at MDLBEAST, highlighted the event’s collaboration with Nigerian artists, showcasing the emerging Afrobeats sound to the Middle Eastern audience. "Every year, we focus on collaborating with artists from a specific country to bring fresh and exciting flavors to our festival. This year, Nigeria is the country we’re spotlighting, and it’s been a great partnership," he shared with Arab News.
Artists from Nigeria delivered a wide-ranging set that incorporated Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music, creating a cultural fusion that resonated with attendees. Assery pointed out that the beauty of the performances lies in how the artists blend their cultural sounds with universal musical trends, making the experience more authentic. "These artists don’t just replicate global sounds; they add their own unique twist, making it something fresh and real," he explained.
Among the distinguished artists was Heba Hussein, also known by her stage name Kayan, who spoke about her participation in XP Music Futures. The singer, songwriter, and composer expressed her excitement about the cultural diversity present at the event and her desire to explore the Saudi music scene. "I came to XP to experience cultural diversity and meet impressive musicians from around the world. I'm also eager to expand my knowledge of the vibrant Saudi music community," said Kayan.
Known for her fusion of Arabic poetry with jazz and neo-soul, Kayan is set to bring her unique sound to the stage during her highly anticipated performance. "I’m excited and a bit nervous for my show on Saturday, but that’s normal. I’m confident that I’ll deliver an incredible performance. I’m bringing something fresh, and I’m certain the world is not ready for the change I’ll bring to the music industry," she said.
The XP Music Futures event exemplifies the growing importance of Riyadh as a cultural and musical hub in the region. The city is rapidly becoming a center for global musical exchange, offering a unique platform for artists to share their talents and for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of music.