Bringing Free Live Music to the City – Meet the Artists of Tunes DXB
- A packed line-up of 66 singers and musicians is wowing crowds across 16 venues.
- Citywide showcase offers exciting platform for local and regional talent.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 9 January, 2024
Music is taking the city by storm, with pop-up busker-style performances happening all across Dubai as part of the eclectic music showcase, Tunes DXB. A flagship event in Dubai Shopping Festival, Tunes DXBgives local and regional artists from a diverse mix of genres a platform to bring their music and voices to the city, in a series of free live performances.
From R&B, hip-hop and soul to rock and pop, fusion, and the best of Bollywood, perfect winter evenings are being given a vibrant uplift with 10 days of performances. Appearing at a host of lively outdoor venues, audiences can catch the free-to-watch acts at Bluewaters, Al Khawaneej Walk, Al Seef, Boxpark, Dubai Festival City Mall, Last Exit Al Khawaneej, Global Village, Kite Beach, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Etisalat MOTB at Dubai Design District (d3) and DxBike, located next to Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City.
Let’s hear from some of the 66 artists whom you can spot at this year’s Tunes DXB…
Meet the Tunes DXB artists
Saudi jazz singer Loulwa AlSharif is bringing her mesmerising performances to Dubai for the first time and is looking forward to sharing the energy of her fellow performers. “I’m very excited to be part of this large-scale event and share the stage with other talented souls here in Dubai,” she said, “Performing for crowds from across the world is magical for me, and being on the Tunes DXB lineup alongside other artists is an inspiring experience.” Loulwa will perform her own original songs alongside some well-known covers in her acoustic sets accompanied by a guitarist. Catch her at DxBike and at Etisalat MOTB at d3 where her jazz-inspired sounds promise to bring a sense of nostalgia and tell an enthralling story.
Soul singer Miranda Fae said being part of Tunes DXB feels like hitting the jackpot as it offers her the chance to showcase her unique performance style alongside other incredible talents, and form connections within the community via a shared musical experience. “Tunes DXB offers a diverse representation of the skills and sounds in the city,” said Miranda. “Being on the lineup is not just an opportunity; it’s a colossal honour. Tunes DXB is a platform that elevates my live performance game, and it is thrilling to perform in busking-style in front of an enthusiastic crowd. It brings me pure joy as an artist to share my craft in such a prestigious setting,” she added. “For me, real joy comes from people genuinely enjoying the music I pour my heart into so I hope I can create an atmosphere where everyone, including myself, is having a blast. I’ll be singing my heart out to inspire and uplift the crowds.” See Miranda at DxBike and Global Village.
Dubai-based Yemeni hip-hop artist, Nin19teen is bringing his eclectic blend of chill, hip hop, Afro rap, and drill to the city, with performances at City Centre Deira and DxBike. He says he feels like he is doing a mini tour of Dubai. “As an Arabic hip hop artist, being part of Tunes DXB is a very cool and unique experience as it feels like I am touring my own city,” he says, adding that he is most looking forward to seeing the crowd dance to his own original tracks. “I love that Tunes DXB brings so many different artists together. My music is diverse, from Arabic to English, and I don’t believe there are any Arabic rappers doing what I do, at the moment,” he added.
Mexican mariachi band Mariachi Quetza are another stand-out act to catch during the series. “Living in Dubai is a joy for us, and it’s an honour to share a glimpse of our culture at some of the city’s best locations,” said singer Mauricio Cervantes. The only band of their kind in Dubai, violinist Geovanny Flores said they are thrilled to be given a platform to connect with the multicultural audience in the UAE through their music. “Tunes DXB is a very exciting project for us. Not only are we thrilled to be bringing our Latin music and Mexican culture to the people, but also that we are collaborating with so many other talented local artists.” Mariachi Quetza are performing at Global Village and Kite Beach, with a promise to make audiences groove.
The Elidas are a Scottish sister duo, whose folk ballads promise an emotion-filled performance. Singer-songwriters Venice and Belle have been singing together since they were 11-years-old. “We are always happy to play to new audiences, in new locations and Tunes DXB offers a perfect opportunity to do this,” they said. “We are very excited because 2023 was about establishing ourselves on the live circuit in Dubai, so this is a great way to begin 2024 especially because we love hearing and supporting our fellow performers.” Audiences will be some of the first to hear original songs from The Elidas’ first album which is currently in production with their new record label. The pair will perform at Barsha Pond Park and Kite Beach.
Another Indie folk singer-songwriter bringing soulful vocals to Tunes DXB is Laporte Dessy. “Being a part of Tunes DXB and playing music at venues across Dubai will allow me to connect with a diverse audience, which is incredibly satisfying and special as an artist,” he said. “Tunes DXB offers a fantastic platform for artists to showcase original music, and bring the city the gift of live music,” he added. Catch Laporte and his guitar bringing chilled vibes at Boxpark, Kite Beach and Al Seef.
Artist Ibrahim Tageldin is performing his unique volt recorder and beatboxing across the city. “I was drawn to being involved in Tunes DXB for its vibrant atmosphere and unique platform to showcase my music on an international stage,” he said. “Being part of Tunes DXB is a tremendous honour; it allows me to share my passion for music, and collaborate with fellow talented artists. I am looking forward to engaging with new and existing fans, and bringing my music to life on such a dynamic stage.” Ibrahim’s music has received more than 2 billion streams on YouTube and 8 billion on TikTok.
Don’t miss out on any of the action! Follow Dubai Shopping Festival on social media to catch all Tunes DXB daily schedules and updates.
Dubai Shopping Festival is supported by Key Sponsor Jumbo and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Seef, Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, Bluewaters, Citywalk, Emirates Airline, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), Etisalat by e&, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Nakheel Malls (Ibn Battuta Mall, Dragon Mart 2, Palm West Beach, Nakheel Mall and The View), The Beach and The Outlet Village.
Experience exceptional entertainment and adventures for all, every day, in a city like no other, with the 29th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival. Running until 14 January 2024, see the city at its best during the most wonderful time of the year and enjoy Dubai’s perfect winter weather. Adventures are waiting to be discovered in every corner – from enchanting experiences to out of this world entertainment – each and every day, for 38 days. And of course, Dubai Shopping Festival promises the very best in retail experiences – with sales, discounts, pop-up markets featuring homegrown exclusives, high street favourites, the ultimate in luxury and a variety of retail offerings, with something for everyone.
To explore all that Dubai Shopping Festival has to offer, check out Visit Dubai and @CelebrateDubai, @DSFMarkets and @StyledbyDubai on social media channels.
