This is the 10th edition of Sole DXB at a glance.
December brings with it not only the return of Sole DXB, but also its ten-year anniversary, translating to big-name acts and Moroccan visual artist Hassan Hajjaj serving as festival host. The region’s favourite youth and contemporary culture festival is set to take place at d3 from 9 to 11 December.
Like previous years, the upcoming edition has curated a mix of global and regional talent, offering festivalgoers a chance to experience some of the biggest names from the worlds of hip-hop, soul, R&B, and dance music over one weekend. Saturday, 10 December will feature Central Cee performing his first headline show in Dubai. The 22-year-old British rapper was raised in the multicultural neighbourhood of Shepherd’s Bush, an upbringing reflected in singles like “Day in the Life” and “Loading”. Taking over the headline slot on 11 December, closing night, will be Jorja Smith. Blessed with a choral sound in the range of her voice, the English singer-songwriter will be performing songs from her critically acclaimed album Lost and Found and her biggest song to date, “Be Honest”.
Elsewhere, Moroccan percussionist Khadija El Warzazia will be on the main stage for her first performance in the region, along with Dreamville rapper Bas, Roc Nation artist Rapsody, and South African dance sensation Muzi – all coming out for their first festival appearance. Similarly, Grammy-nominated artist Mumu Fresh (who has already collaborated with the likes of Dave Chappelle, The Roots, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran and Common) will also make her Dubai debut. Egyptian indie artist Felukah, hip-hop record producer and songwriter TAC, and Somalian MC Freek have also joined the line-up to celebrate the rise of Arab talent across the region and its diaspora.
Other additions include LA-based talent Coast Contra. Following the release of their first official single “Queen & Slim” – the title track from the blockbuster movie with the same name – the hip hop group’s debut album Apt. 505 was released earlier this year. Ticket prices start at AED 100 and are now on sale.
Tickets for Jorja Smith, Central Cee, Rapsody et al are available through Virgin Megastore Tickets, Dubai Calendar App, and www.soledxb.com
DSCVR: Sole DXB, Dubai Design District, Dubai. @soledxb
