The fourth edition of XP Music Futures, under MDLBEAST Foundation, launched yesterday at JAX District in Riyadh, setting the tone for three transformative days of music, innovation, and cultural exchange.
XP Music Futures welcomed global and regional music leaders, artists, and innovators to explore the future of the music industry under the theme “Flourish.”
XP Music Futures marked the launch of Riyadh Music Week, which will also include the Global Music Makers Summit, Billboard Arabia Music Awards, Music Cities Convention Awards, and Soundstorm’24.
Further establishing Saudi Arabia as a global hub for creativity and culture, attendees immersed themselves in panels, workshops, and live performances designed to accelerate talent development and foster international collaboration.
In his opening speech, Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST, highlighted XP’s remarkable journey: “We launched XP in 2021 with a clear mission: to accelerate the growth of music in MENA. Since then, XP has become more than a conference—it’s a movement redefining the global music landscape from Riyadh to the world.”.
JAX District buzzed with creative energy on the first day, as attendees from across the region and the world immersed themselves in workshops and music that bridged cultures and languages.
A Global Spotlight: Cordell Broadus at XP Music Futures
Cordell Broadus, entrepreneur, creative visionary, and the son of global icon Snoop Dogg, brought a unique perspective to XP Music Futures on Day One. Speaking about his experience at the event, Broadus emphasized the power of cultural exchange and personal storytelling:
“You get to share cultures; you get to share your journey. It’s a lot of hope and inspiration when you get to hear so many stories from across the world right now, being around a whole lot of creative people. It’s giving me the motivation to try even harder when I get home. Share stories, be pure, be authentic.”
Broadus’s presence underscored XP Music Futures’ mission to foster collaboration and cultural understanding. His reflections resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the event’s role as a platform for creativity, innovation, and global connection.
The opening day featured electrifying NITE performances that highlighted the vibrancy of regional and global music scenes:
○ Dish Dash: Saudi Arabia’s trailblazing DJ duo captivated the crowd with their signature electronic beats, reflecting the Kingdom’s rise in the global electronic music scene.
○ Marwan Moussa: The Egyptian hip-hop pioneer brought his unique sound to the XP stage, blending Arabic lyricism with bold beats that had the crowd singing along and moving to every rhythm. His performance was a testament to the growing influence of MENA’s music culture on the global stage.
○ Baloo: MDLBEAST’s Creative Director shared insights into the evolving music ecosystem before taking the stage to deliver an inspired set.
○ Bas, Joeboy, and Aziz Maraka: Global and regional icons whose dynamic performances underscored XP’s role in bridging local artistry with international audiences.
As Day Two approaches, XP Music Futures will continue to drive impactful discussions and showcase talent through workshops, panels, and performances. The excitement builds as attendees anticipate the Storm Shaker competition and the XPERFORM Grand Finale, two events celebrating the region’s rising stars.
