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XP NITE
“The energy at XP Nite was a true reflection of the pulse of the region's music scene; rich, diverse, authentic, and thirsty. We're moving from an organic scene to an established industry. While there's so much work to do in this crucial time, witnessing the level of talent and excitement at XP really puts the importance of our mission into perspective.”
The XP Nite program represented global scenes from Kampala to South London; more than 290 diverse and exciting artists, dancers, and collectives from over 20 countries performed. The musical genres spanned dabke and Arab pop, afro-fusion to indie, footwork to jazz, hip hop to amapiano, disco, funk, traditional Saudi folk, and house—and took over seven different stages each night. For many artists on the lineup, it was their first time playing in the region. The Afro-Fusion stage featured French Ghanaian artist PÖ, leftfield dance from South Sudanese artist Turkana, and a set from Somalian Hibotep. Crowds were treated to sets from local collectives Lymm and Noctuary, who champion Saudi’s thriving underground electronic scene.
GABU Records represented the Saudi sound and
Alsarah And The Nubatones Eduardo Castillo
closed the Electronic stage on the final night. Over two nights, the BRIJ stage came alive, featuring performances by FrenchySaysRelax, Nadine Elroubi, Shaolin, and DJ Bonita. Playing back-to-back, Riyadh and Jeddah locals, Solskin and Dorar played house music till the early hours. Their ascent coincides with Saudi women publicly spearheading new standards in dance music—making waves in the Saudi and international scenes. Sudanese-American, Alsarah & The Nubatones closed up the eclectic stage for FEMME FEST on the final night, publicly announcing, “we are so excited to be a part of such a brand new beginning in the MENA region.”
MOAYAD
NOORIYAH
OMAR FAYYAD
RALPH NASR
