The Wireless Middle East festival is set to return to Abu Dhabi, bringing a star-studded lineup to Etihad Park on November 23. This year’s event promises an electrifying celebration of urban music and pop culture, featuring performances by Grammy-award winner Sza, British rapper 21 Savage, and American rapper Yeat, among others.

Key Takeaways

  • Event Date: November 23
  • Location: Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi
  • Headliners: Sza, 21 Savage, Yeat
  • Additional Performer: Indian rapper Karan Aujla
  • Previous Headliners: Travis Scott, Wegz
  • First Wireless Event: 2005 in London

Star-Studded Lineup

Sza, a Grammy-award-winning artist known for her collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, and Rihanna, will be one of the main attractions. The American singer-songwriter gained widespread attention with her EPs before releasing her critically acclaimed debut album, Ctrl, in 2017.

Joining her on Yas Island is British rapper 21 Savage, who will be making his first appearance in the region. The London-born artist rose to fame with his debut mixtape The Slaughter Tape in 2015. His most recent album, American Dream, released in January, reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. He is best known for his breakout track "X" featuring Future and the 2016 EP Savage Mode with producer Metro Boomin.

American rapper Yeat, known for his low-fi melodies and experimental sound, will also be making his Middle East debut. He released his debut album Up 2 Me in 2021, which included tracks like "Money So Big" and "Get Busy."

Diverse Talent

The festival will also feature Indian rapper Karan Aujla, known for his songs "Property of Punjab," "Don’t Look," and "Yaarian Ch Fikk." Aujla blends traditional Punjabi folk elements with contemporary rap and hip-hop, adding a unique flavor to the event.

A Growing Legacy

Last year’s Wireless Middle East festival sold out, attracting more than 25,000 attendees with headliners Travis Scott and Wegz. The first Wireless event took place in 2005 in London, featuring New Order, Basement Jaxx, Keane, and Kasabian. Over the years, the festival has evolved from its electronic indie-rock roots to focus on hip-hop, grime, and Afrobeat genres.

What to Expect

  • Venue: Etihad Park, a premier location for large-scale events in Abu Dhabi
  • Date: November 23, 2024
  • Tickets: Expected to sell out quickly, given last year’s success
  • Atmosphere: A vibrant celebration of urban music and pop culture

Fans of urban music and pop culture should mark their calendars for this unmissable event. With a diverse lineup and a history of sold-out shows, Wireless Middle East 2024 promises to be a highlight of the year.

Sources