The Wireless Festival Middle East, held at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Park, faced a challenging start due to last-minute cancellations from major headliners. US rapper Playboi Carti, who was set to replace SZA after her tour cancellation, also pulled out just hours before the event, leaving festival organizers scrambling. However, the show went on, and the energy of the crowd ensured that the festival ended on a high note.
The standout performance came from 21 Savage, who was originally scheduled for an earlier slot but took over as the headliner. His calm and collected set contrasted with the more frantic energy of some of his peers. Supported by DJ Marc B, Savage’s performance was a masterclass in minimalism, with tracks like On BS and Red Opps emphasizing his steady, icy delivery against deep, brooding beats. His collaborations, such as Rockstar with Post Malone and Creepin’ with The Weeknd, proved why he’s one of hip-hop’s most sought-after collaborators.
Other performances included rising star Saweetie, whose set confirmed her growing influence in the rap scene. Her hit Best Friend had the crowd bouncing, while her tropical-inspired single Nani showcased her versatility as she gears up for her debut album. Haitian-American artist Fridayy also caught attention with his genre-blending style, offering a mix of hard-hitting trap and smooth R&B that sets him apart as an emerging talent.
Despite the setbacks, the Wireless Festival Middle East succeeded in delivering an electrifying showcase of hip-hop’s global reach, highlighted by strong performances and an audience that refused to be deterred by the day’s challenges.
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