The fourth edition of XP Music Futures, the groundbreaking music conference organized by MDLBEAST, concluded its three-day run in Riyadh’s buzzing JAX District, reaffirming its position as a transformative force in the MENA region’s music and creative industries. Taking place over the weekend, XP Music Futures offered an unprecedented fusion of cultural exchange, education, industry innovation, and knowledge share, featuring over 200 speakers and 150 artists representing an eclectic mix of genres, from Afrobeat and techno to heavy metal and hip-hop.
XP Music Futures goes beyond the concept of a traditional music conference. It stands as a platform that redefines how the MENA region engages with global music culture, offering a first-of-its-kind industry program that nurtures talent, empowers future leaders, and fosters collaboration across creative sectors. At its heart, XP is a space where emerging voices meet industry giants, breaking down barriers and paving the way for a thriving and globally connected music scene in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Ramadan Alharatani, MDLBEAST’s CEO, encapsulated the impact of this years’ event: “XP is about more than music – it’s about creating a thriving cultural and economic ecosystem. The potential in this region is limitless, and XP is here to provide the tools and connections for young people to achieve their dreams. This year showed us just how much we can achieve together.”
Empowering the Next Generation and Breaking Barriers in Music and Creativity
XP Music Futures has positioned itself as the connective tissue of the MENA creative community, offering tools and opportunities for young people to break into the music industry. From artist development programs to a robust offering of educational initiatives, including diplomas and hands-on workshops, XP is designed to inspire and equip future industry leaders. This year’s sessions featured international industry experts, fostering enriching knowledge exchanges between global executives and local talent.
Highlights included:
· David Guetta’s Production Masterclass, where the global superstar shared his “20-year rule” for creating chart-topping hits that blend nostalgia with modern innovation.
· The Evolution of Rock and Metal in the Arab World, which spotlighted Saudi Arabia’s first-ever heavy metal band and celebrated the region’s burgeoning metal scene through panels and live showcases.
· Rocking the Runway: The Power of Music in Fashion, a vibrant panel featuring footballer and style innovator Mo Adams alongside Saudi creatives, exploring how music amplifies storytelling in fashion and drives cross-cultural collaborations between the MENA region and the West.
· The New Blueprint: Egyptian hip-hop sensation Marwan Moussa shared insights on redefining regional hip-hop and pushing creative boundaries.
· Rhymes and Dreams: Rapper Bas, from Dreamville Records, inspired with his journey of persistence and creativity.
· Backtrack with Don Cannon: A hands-on workshop where the iconic producer revisited the biggest hits of his career, breaking down the craft behind his success.
· Fireside Chat with Kiko Loureiro: The global metal icon delved into decades of experience with Megadeth and Angra, offering a rare perspective on breaking boundaries in heavy metal.
XP also delivered standout programming such as “Introducing the Grammys to Saudi Arabia”, led by the Saudi Music Commission, marking a monumental step in bridging the local music ecosystem with international benchmarks of excellence.
Cultural Fusion and Artistic Innovation
XP Music Futures continues to celebrate the rich tapestry of the MENA region by blending global and regional influences. The MJLS x NOORstudios showcase exemplified this mission, bringing together women-owned creative hubs from the U.S. and Egypt to curate an international soundstage. This cross-cultural collaboration bridged the gap between the MENA creative scene and the global diaspora, inspiring new artistic exchanges.
Another major highlight was Warner Music’s showcase, a celebration of African music’s global rise with standout discussions and performances by Wizard Chan, Kold AF, and Joeboy. All the artists emphasized the growing resonance of African music in Saudi Arabia and its influence on global pop culture. Through these types of showcases, XP Music Futures not only amplifies the voices of artists but also fosters the creative synergies across boarders that drive innovation and elevate the region on the world stage.
XP NITE: The Sound of Saudi Arabia After Dark
As day turned to night, XP NITE transformed the JAX district warehouse venues and stages into a hub of underground energy, spotlighting both local and global talent across six stages. Highlights included showcases by MAHOOL and Brij Entertainment, celebrating cutting-edge Saudi hip-hop, R&B, and local sounds. A diverse and eclectic line-up showcased electrifying sets from Heavy Arabia, Saudi Arabia’s first heavy metal promotion company, and HIPEX L’ART, a collaboration blending Afrobeats with the burgeoning Saudi music scene
Building Bridges for the Future
Looking ahead, XP Music Futures is laying the groundwork for a sustainable music ecosystem in the region. Through initiatives like the MDLBEAST Foundation’s AMB program, XP creates exchange opportunities for young professionals to collaborate with international partners, including artist management companies, booking agencies, and record labels.
By fostering collaboration, challenging norms, and celebrating authenticity, XP is paving the way for a vibrant, globally connected music ecosystem. These frameworks aim to empower artists and industry leaders with the tools to achieve global success while staying authentic to their roots.
The Gateway to SOUNDSTORM 2024
XP Music Futures sets the stage for SOUNDSTORM, the region’s largest music festival, which returns to Riyadh from December 12 to 14 with a lineup of global superstars and regional talent.
As a beacon of creativity and cultural dialogue, XP Music Futures continues to amplify the voices of the MENA region, showcasing its boundless potential on the world stage.