That music is an international language is often said, but rarely proven. One of the occasions when it happened was last weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia when hundreds of people gathered to learn and share knowledge with some of the biggest names in the music industry. This milestone occurred thanks to one of the annual events par excellence in the Middle East, the XP Music Futures, which was held again in 2023 and, fortunately, we could experience it firsthand for one day.
A little more than 20 kilometers from the center of the Saudi capital, we found ourselves in the Diriyah area. The sunset welcomes us to the Jax District complex, where as soon as we enter we can feel the priorities of XP Music Futures 23. A short walk allows us to see a multitude of spaces that hosted dozens of talks throughout the three days of conferences, as well as workshops, activities, networking areas, concerts, and entertainment, with culture and music always as the common denominator.
This edition of 2023 placed great emphasis on women in the music industry, which turned into very enriching talks and debates with top-level protagonists. Starting with DJ, producer, and philanthropist Nicole Moudaber, who shared her inspiring experiences in front of a mostly female audience, culminating in an emotional moment when she offered to finance the events of an attendee who asked her advice as a struggling promoter.
In our list of talks, we could also see round tables debating topics such as the Arab hip-hop scene with figures like Malikah (also known as the queen of Arab hip-hop according to Vogue), Freek, or the Egyptian standard bearer, Abyusif. A debate in which, under these three points of view that perfectly represent both the old and the new school, allowed us to see the situation of the scene in the Middle East.
On the other hand, the power of collaboration was also discussed. With a lineup composed of emerging and established singers and an A&R on stage, this was undoubtedly one of the most enriching moments of our time at the XP. These people clearly drew the Arab music scene for those who do not live it in their day-to-day, demonstrating the strength they have per se and even deriving a certain frustration towards their many difficulties when trying to “make it overseas” due to their roots.
All this, crowned, of course, with lots of music. From performances by young talents to concerts of traditional music, passing through a surprising wave of national and international DJs, who gave us a valuable lesson: although in Saudi Arabia there is –still– no clubbing culture, electronic music is lived with equal devotion… Or even more.
We discovered local collectives like Untamed, who have managed to bring together club music lovers from Riyadh and its surroundings through events in a city and a culture that hasn’t made it easy for this type of music. And not only do they appreciate the locals, but underground movements coming from Europe like Trommel are also welcomed with open arms in this continent. Even Chelina Manuhutu herself could see with her own eyes the affection that these people give back to those who come to give it with their music.
Affection, future, talent, and roots. These are some of the values that the people of MDLBeast bet on when creating this type of event. Not only is it a way to position the Arab country as a new focus of attention for the music industry, but it is also a door to discover to the rest of the world how the Middle East cultivates its culture and, in time, position it on the world map along with the rest of the powers.
