Saudi Arabia’s Mdlbeast Soundstorm festival has firmly established Riyadh as a key destination for live music in the Middle East. Celebrating its fifth year, the recently concluded festival attracted over 200 international artists across genres ranging from rap to rock and electronic dance music.
The 2024 edition of Soundstorm boasted a star-studded lineup, including global names such as Eminem, Linkin Park, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and Muse, alongside popular hip-hop artists like Russ, G-Eazy, J.I.D., and Busta Rhymes. Saudi Arabian and Arabic talent also featured prominently, with performances by Lebanese singer Elissa, Syrian artist Nassif Zeytoun, and local DJ Cosmicat, further diversifying the festival’s offerings.
Mdlbeast CEO Ramadan Alharatani spoke with Variety about how the event successfully attracted major international acts like Eminem, who made his debut in Saudi Arabia at this year’s festival. The rap icon delivered an “epic” performance of his hit song “Love The Way You Lie” in front of more than 100,000 fans, marking a historic moment for the festival and the region.
Alharatani emphasized that Mdlbeast Soundstorm’s growing reputation is helping to shine a spotlight on Saudi artists, fostering greater cultural exchange and expanding opportunities for local talent. The festival, which began as an electronic dance music event in 2019, has evolved into a powerhouse of global and regional music.
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