Let\u2019s hear it straight from the source\u2026\u00a0<\/p>\n
The region\u2019s annual checkpoint for assessing the state of its music ecosystem, XP Music Futures \u201925, returns for its fifth edition, gathering leading creatives and industry practitioners. Through workshops, panels, and evening performances, XP continues to map out the future of music in the Middle East.<\/p>\n
Powered by the MDLBEAST Foundation, the three-day conference features a full daytime program of workshops and discussions led by influential figures and organizations across the sector. This year also includes an expanded night program, presenting a wide range of genre-spanning performances curated by regional labels and collectives such as GoodFellas, Beatroot Records, Peachez, Wall of Sound, Dance Battle, Museland, Cloud 9 x Input\/Output, Dhamma Collective, One Day at a Time, and Sama Abdulhadi & Friends.<\/p>\n
Bringing these creatives together in one place remains a rare opportunity, designed to accelerate the development of the Middle East\u2019s music infrastructure. XP serves as a meeting point for artists, executives, and innovators, offering space for talent development, ecosystem-building, and cultural exchange.<\/p>\n
With overlapping schedules and multiple arenas running simultaneously, we\u2019ve curated a list of artists to keep an eye out for, the ones we\u2019ll be moving between stages to catch.<\/p>\n
Note:<\/strong> This list is not ranked; it\u2019s arranged alphabetically and does not indicate priority.<\/p>\n Artist<\/strong><\/p>\n Ayed 2025: The Sound of a New Saudi Generation<\/strong> Saudi singer Ayed has become a notable figure within the Khaleeji music landscape, known for blending traditional Gulf melodic forms with contemporary production. Born in Riyadh, he continues to play a key role in shaping the region\u2019s evolving sound.<\/p>\n Artist, Founder of SAWNA Records & Yalla Worldwide Collective<\/strong><\/p>\n Collaboration in Practice: Music Collectives Roundtable<\/strong> Belgium-based Syrian\u2013Libyan artist Bader Shashit, a Radio Alhara resident, is a multidisciplinary musician and the founder of Yalla Worldwide and Sawna Records.<\/p>\n Artist, CCO MDLBEAST<\/strong><\/p>\n XP2025 Day Opening Ceremony<\/strong> Ahmed Al-Ammary, known as Baloo, has become closely associated with the expansion of Saudi Arabia\u2019s electronic music scene. A longtime DJ and former creative strategist, he now serves as MDLBEAST\u2019s Chief Creative Officer, applying his experience to the Kingdom\u2019s growing cultural sector.<\/p>\n Producer<\/strong><\/p>\n Modern Heritage: Archiving, Sampling & Reimagining Heritage Through Sound<\/strong> Moroccan producer Cheb Runner works between analog and digital processes, drawing from a personal archive of field recordings and traditional instruments. His sound reflects multiple influences and a fluid movement between musical eras.<\/p>\n Artist, Composer, VP at Universal Music MENA<\/strong><\/p>\n AI \u2013 Protecting the Creative Economy & The Future of Music Creation<\/strong> Firas Abou Fakher is a BAFTA-winning composer, artist, and music executive, and a founding member of the Lebanese band Mashrou\u2019 Leila. He has composed for award-winning projects across Netflix, Film4, PBS, and the BBC.<\/p>\n Artist, CEO & Founder of Heavy Arabia Entertainment<\/strong><\/p>\n Saudi Music Managers Forum<\/strong> Gigi Arabia is the Founding President of the Saudi Music Managers Forum and the founder of Heavy Arabia Entertainment, the country\u2019s first dedicated metal promotion company. Her work spans artist management, live production, regional touring, international bookings, and educational initiatives for emerging metal bands.<\/p>\n Guitarist<\/strong><\/p>\n Guitar Renaissance in MENA: Powering a New Music Generation<\/strong> Grammy-nominated guitarist Gus G.\u2014formerly of Ozzy Osbourne\u2019s band\u2014has released solo albums including I Am the Fire (2014), Brand New Revolution (2015), and Quantum Leap (2021).<\/p>\n Podcaster at Yalla! Let\u2019s Talk<\/strong><\/p>\n Defining the Music Market: A&R Role & Responsibilities<\/strong> Host and creator of Yalla! Let\u2019s Talk, Hani Dajani has featured leading Arab voices from the diaspora, curating conversations with artists, cultural figures, and global changemakers around identity and creativity.<\/p>\n Director & Choreographer<\/strong><\/p>\n Behind the Movement: Dance as a Driving Force in Music Performance<\/strong> Director and choreographer Layla Ghaleb recently helmed the viral FIFA Arab Cup song visual. Her credits include choreography for the FIFA World Cup 2022 official music video and halftime final show, the AFC Asian Cup 2023 opening ceremony, and projects with Dior, CAF, NBA Africa, Adidas, Samsung, Wegz, and Balqees.<\/p>\n Artist, Co-founder of Jidariyya Collective<\/strong><\/p>\n HUNNA: The Gathering<\/strong> Beirut-born and Montr\u00e9al-based, Liliane Chlela is a composer, DJ, performer, and mentor whose career began within Lebanon\u2019s experimental scene. Following early work with projects such as The DnB Project and Hezbel Taleta, she developed an independent solo practice with releases including Lullaby for Monsters, Malign\/Benign, Safala, and Anatomy of a Jerk. She co-founded the Jidariyya collective and has mentored young women producers across the region.<\/p>\n Singer<\/strong><\/p>\n HUNNA: The Gathering<\/strong> Palestinian singer-songwriter and multidisciplinary artist Lina Makoul blends Arabic lyricism with contemporary pop and global influences. She has toured internationally and shared stages with 6lack, Saint Levant, Queen + Adam Lambert, and Little Mix.<\/p>\n Artist, Co-founder of KLAB & SALWA Foundation<\/strong><\/p>\n Noise Diva: The Re-Composition Remix<\/strong> Amsterdam-based producer and DJ Noise Diva is a Garage Noord resident and co-founder of KLAB. Her work spans Moroccan trap, Egyptian R&B, French drill, dancehall, and UK garage.<\/p>\n Artist, Cassette Collector<\/strong><\/p>\n Modern Heritage: Archiving, Sampling & Reimagining Heritage Through Sound<\/strong> Cassette collector and DJ Badreddine Haoutar\u2014also known as Snoopy\u2014has amassed an archive of more than 20,000 tapes, with a focus on North African music. He creates mixes that draw from cha\u00e2bi, ra\u00ef, rap, and gnawa traditions.<\/p>\n Artist<\/strong><\/p>\n 5 Years XChange Riyadh & XP Zine<\/strong> Qatari-American independent artist Sahera explores identity and creative expression within the diaspora. Her breakout single \u201cKhaleeji\u201d charted at #3 in Saudi Arabia, resonating with a new generation of Gulf listeners.<\/p>\n Artist<\/strong><\/p>\n Fabric at 25: Legacy, Resistance & the Future of Club Culture<\/strong> Ramallah-born DJ and producer Sama\u2019 Abdulhadi gained international attention following her 2018 Boiler Room appearance featured in the documentary Palestine Underground. Her career has since continued through a consistent run of global performances.<\/p>\n Artist, Record Label Owner & Record Shop Owner<\/strong><\/p>\n Selector Culture: Music Curation as a Form of Cultural Preservation<\/strong> Shadi Megallaa began DJing in 1999 and became one of the early contributors to Dubai\u2019s electronic music scene in the 2000s. He founded the Ark to Ashes label in 2013 and later opened The Flip Side in 2017, the city\u2019s first record shop in a decade.<\/p>\n Artist, Founder of Goast Flower<\/strong><\/p>\n Goastflower Presents: SaMuC (Saudi Music Community)<\/strong> Tamtam works across Arabic and English, drawing from pop, R&B, and cinematic influences. She founded the Saudi Music Community through her creative hub Goast Flower, supporting collaboration and professional development for artists in the region. She performed the official Coca-Cola anthem for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.<\/p>\n Artist<\/strong><\/p>\n Wegz and the Evolution of Arab Hip-Hop<\/strong> Alexandria-born rapper Wegz has played a central role in shaping contemporary Arab hip-hop through his blend of trap and mahraganat. Since his 2017 breakthrough, he has released hits such as \u201cTNT,\u201d \u201cDorak Gai,\u201d and \u201cEl-Bakht.\u201d His recent performances include Wireless Festival Abu Dhabi, the 2022 FIFA World Cup halftime show, and the large-scale Wegz Experience in Cairo.<\/p>\n Artist<\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube Music Presents: Visual Storytelling with Zeyne<\/strong> Jordanian-Palestinian artist Zeyne combines Arabic musical elements with contemporary production. Since her 2021 debut Minni Ana, she has accumulated over 58 million streams. Her single Asli Ana reinterprets Arab traditions through a modern lens, and her performances on Ed Sheeran\u2019s Mathematics Tour and at OffLimits Festival mark her growing international presence.<\/p>\n WE ALSO SAID: Don\u2019t Miss It\u2026Shkoon to Perform at Somabay as Part of Their Traces Tour January 2nd<\/a>Ayed<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 1 | 06:30 PM \u2013 07:15 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_3551-1024x783.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBADER<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 3 | 05:30 PM \u2013 06:30 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/@badershashit-paying-homage-to-the-late-Cheb-Terro-for-the-next-hour-19-to-20-00.-Tune-in-live-2.jpg\")
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\nBaloo<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 1 | 03:00 PM \u2013 03:30 PM
Top Tips: Getting Booked on Regional & International Stages<\/strong>
<\/strong> Day 2 | 04:30 PM \u2013 05:15 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/From-the-heart-of-Saudi-Arabias-underground-we-welcome-@a_baloo-the-Gabu-Records-label-head-2-1024x699.jpg\")
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\nCheb Runner<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 1 | 05:45 PM \u2013 07:00 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/I-am-sharing-with-you-the-photos-I-shot-in-collaboration-with-@khadouzja-during-her-research-BLU-1-2-1024x862.jpg\")
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\nFiras Abou Fakher<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 1 | 06:45 PM \u2013 07:30 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/I-am-sharing-with-you-the-photos-I-shot-in-collaboration-with-@khadouzja-during-her-research-BLU-1-2-1-1024x862.jpg\")
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\nGigi Arabia<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 1 | 04:30 PM \u2013 05:15 PM
Guitar Renaissance in MENA: Powering a New Music Generation<\/strong>
<\/strong> Day 1 | 09:00 PM \u2013 09:45 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Before-summer-festivities-kick-off-and-I-forget-to-post-here-are-some-highlights-from-my-favori-2-1024x827.jpg\")
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\nGus G.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 1 | 09:00 PM \u2013 09:45 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Before-summer-festivities-kick-off-and-I-forget-to-post-here-are-some-highlights-from-my-favori-2-1-1024x827.jpg\")
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\nHani Dajani<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 3 | 04:00 PM \u2013 04:45 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-11-1024x1024.jpeg\")
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\nLayla Ghaleb<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 1 | 04:45 PM \u2013 05:30 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/581102590_18543539941025874_3255145851194876488_n-2-1024x730.jpg\")
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\nLiliane Chlela<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 2 | 05:30 PM \u2013 07:15 PM
Beyond the Beat: The Role of Modern-Day Producers<\/strong>
<\/strong> Day 3 | 04:30 PM \u2013 05:15 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-3-1024x1024.jpeg\")
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\nLina Makoul<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 2 | 05:30 PM \u2013 07:15 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1.1M-raised-for-@aneraorg-by-us-for-usbeyond-honored\ud83e\udebbphotos-@shaughncooper-dress-@nafsikaskour-2.jpg\")
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\nNoise Diva<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 2 | 03:30 PM \u2013 04:45 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-9-1024x683.jpeg\")
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\nRetro Cassetta<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 1 | 05:45 PM \u2013 07:00 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-12-834x1024.jpeg\")
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\nSahera<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 3 | 04:00 PM \u2013 05:00 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\ud83e\udd8b\ud83e\udd8b\ud83e\udd8b-2-1024x576.jpg\")
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\nSama\u2019 Abdulhadi<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 1 | 03:45 PM \u2013 04:30 PM
DJ Workshop \u2014 with Sama<\/strong>
<\/strong> Day 1 | 06:00 PM \u2013 07:00 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-14-1024x1024.jpeg\")
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\nShadi Megallaa<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 3 | 06:30 PM \u2013 07:15 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Kicking-off-his-Djing-career-in-1999-@shadimegallaa-moved-up-quickly-in-the-industry-and-made-a-2-1024x775.jpg\")
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\nTamtam<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 1 | 04:30 PM \u2013 05:30 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Cry-is-out-now-\ud83d\udd4a\ufe0f-link-in-bio.Song-credits-Writers-@cscavallo_-tamtam-Producers-Anton-Axel-2-1024x686.jpg\")
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\nWegz<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 2 | 06:45 PM \u2013 07:30 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-17-1024x1024.jpeg\")
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\nZeyne<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong> Day 1 | 04:30 PM \u2013 05:15 PM<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.scoopempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/560644975_18083404268073936_2574810965267907543_n-2-1-1024x767.jpg\")
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