Dubai’s first eco-conscious fest has curated a powerhouse line-up for a truly worthy cause.
By now, details about French Montana’s upcoming concert in Dubai have made the rounds — the rapper is set to take the stage at Coca-Cola Arena on 22 June for the EarthSoul Festival’s second concert, so a night of chart-toppers and pulsating energy is guaranteed. Collaborating with the likes of Cardi B, Drake, and Kanye West, the global superstar is best known for his 2017 summer anthem “Unforgettable” as well as the Deadpool track “Welcome to the Party”. But did you know that French Montana is only part of a powerhouse line-up scheduled for the big night?
The rap royalty will be joined by a whole host of stars from across the globe. Setting a Middle Eastern vibe will be Mustafa Ceceli, dubbed the heartthrob of Turkey’s music scene. A folk-pop artist who’s unafraid to embrace a dance beat, his melodies are known to transcend boundaries. Also performing will be Lebanese singer Amanda Maalouf, whose repertoire spans soul, funk, jazz and pop. You may recognise her as the lead vocalist of Exposonix, the official resident band of Expo 2020 Dubai. The line-up is further diversified thanks to Indian rapper and songwriter, Dabzee.
Boasting 5.6 million streams on Spotify and hits like “Malabari Banger” and “Manavaalan Thug”, he has become a bridge between generations, uniting people through the slang and beats of his Malabar roots. Notably, Dabzee is one of the few South Indian artists signed to Nas’ Mass Appeal Records, an international label known for launching global hitmakers. Further strengthening the genre is the Pakistani rap/hip-hop duo Young Stunners of Coke Studio fame. Known for captivating youth with their compelling storytelling, they draw from personal experiences, resulting in songs that resonate deeply with fans — “Afsaanay”, “Gumaan”, and “Phir Milenge” included.
The roster continues with another standout, December Avenue, one of the most streamed artists on Spotify in the Philippines. The five-piece alternative/indie band from Manila is known for its compelling and emotive music, garnering a loyal following in the process. Singing in both English and Tagalog, their songs delve into themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet moments in between. December Avenue’s acclaimed album Langit Mong Bughaw holds the title of the most-streamed OPM album of all time, a testament to their impact on the music scene. As for what’s bringing such a diverse array of talent together? Environmental awareness.
Taking place in line with the Year of Sustainability, the EarthSoul Festival is the country’s premier eco-conscious music festival, championing environmental awareness and fostering a deep-rooted connection to our planet. Aligned with the UAE’s sustainability goals, the festival is a convergence of art, music and environmental consciousness with a key objective to promote responsible living and mobilise action with the theme, ‘Small Action, Big Impact’. Incidentally, a range of activations such as beach clean-ups, turtle conservation initiatives, and mangrove plantation drives are planned for the build-up to the festival. Bonus: contributions from ticket purchases will be used towards green initiatives.
Tickets are available via Platinumlist, starting from AED 199.
DSCVR: EarthSoul Festival. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai. @earthsoulfest
