Afrojack and Steve Aoki at XP 2021
After its successful inaugural event last year, the XP Music Conference is returning to Riyadh, giving the Saudi music and culture scene another quantum leap forward. MDLBEAST, the organisers of the conference have confirmed the 2022 edition will take place from 28-30 November.
Everyone from music industry professionals, creatives seeking inspiration and professional input, to those working with music tech start-ups and government entities will be heading to the Saudi capital for the second edition of the conference. And they will have the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops and panel discussions. They will also benefit from the networking opportunities and nightlife activations that will help build on the successes of last year.
“XP is one of the main pillars of MDLBEAST as it aims at empowering the local scene, develop talents in music, art, culture and technology,” Nada Alhelabi, Strategy Director at MDLBEAST, said. “Through XP we are able to promote the region and accelerate positive change in diversity and gender equality through advocacy groups, research and knowledge-led insights. We can take things to the next level through the second edition of the XP music conference.”
Once again, the conference will be the warmup for MDLBEAST’s flagship festival, SOUNDSTORM. Dubbed as the biggest music festival ever seen in the Middle East, the event taking place from December 1-3 will give festival goers a chance to immerse themselves in the beats from global, regional and local superstars.
At the music entertainment company’s first music conference, 150 local, regional and international industry experts discussed talent, scene, policy and impact with regional audiences in order to support the growth of the music community. Global artists such as Afrojack and Steve Aoki led the discussion around the path to success, guiding principles for young talent and what it means to back aspiring DJs, producers and creators. A three-day event, XP 2021 welcomed almost 15,000 attendees and hosted up to 52 sessions.
XP, which aims to drive cultural and economic change in the Middle Eastern music industry, is at the core of MDLBEAST’s ambitions. The company is committed to growing talent, building the regional scene and advancing the creative economy for Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.
