‘Music connects us all’ says SOUNDSTORM DJ

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Festival-goers from around the world have flocked to the desert for MDLBEAST’s SANDSTORM in Ban Ban to express their passion for music. (AN photo by Saleh AlGhannam)
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Festival-goers from around the world have flocked to the desert for MDLBEAST’s SANDSTORM in Ban Ban to express their passion for music. (AN photo by Saleh AlGhannam)
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Festival-goers from around the world have flocked to the desert for MDLBEAST’s SANDSTORM in Ban Ban to express their passion for music. (AN photo by Saleh AlGhannam)
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Updated 19 December 2021
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‘Music connects us all’ says SOUNDSTORM DJ

  • DJ and producer Kayan tells Arab News about the opportunities for local Saudi female artists at the festival
  • Swedish DJ Alesso to shutdown the event at the BIG BEAST stage on Sunday night 

RIYADH: Thousands of festival-goers from around the world have flocked to the desert for MDLBEAST’s SANDSTORM in Ban Ban to express their passion for music. 

DJ and producer Kayan, who performed during the four-day festival, shared with Arab News her insight into the connectivity and power that music holds.

“There’s so much magic to music, to sound and connectivity, and how music can really help us feel certain things and inspire us and help us overcome certain emotions,” she said. 

Regardless of your age and favorite genre, there is something for every festivalgoer to enjoy at Ban Ban. 




Festival-goers from around the world have flocked to the desert for MDLBEAST’s SANDSTORM in Ban Ban to express their passion for music. (AN photo by Saleh AlGhannam)

“I was always deeply connected to music, music always created a soundtrack to my life and creating stories and moments together through music is something that I definitely love and enjoy doing,” the DJ explained. 

Kayan specialises in electronic music with her DJing and production, blending Eastern and Western sounds to create her distinctive style.

Her passion for music started when she learned to play the violin, and through her work in radio Kayan started producing her own sound, which led her to perform in front of thousands. 

“There is always this one type of music that really resonates with everyone. For me it was always electronic music as that is what I have always loved,” she told Arab News. 

Kayan first collaborated with MDLBEAST during the Noor Riyadh Festival in 2021. 

“We created something beautiful and magical together for the Noor Riyadh Festival. It was such an honor to work with such a professional team of artists,” she said. 

“This is my second experience working with MDLBEAST. It’s pretty massive and it is a dream come true. I am so honored to work with a professional team of both national and international artists. I feel very lucky, happy and honored to be a part of his festival,” she said. 

SANDSTORM boasted eight different stages, including BIG BEAST, DANCE BEAST, DWN BEAST and four UNDERGROUND stages. It also offered one private stage, with each section playing different genres for all festival-goers to enjoy.

Kayan performed on Saturday on the UNDERGROUND 1 stage and described her sound as heavy baselines incorporating many synthesisers that blend into a rhythmic melody, “it’s strong, powerful but always has a melodic blend.”

Kayan explained that her violin performances are improvised during the show, feeding off of the emotions in the crowd. 

“When I play violin, I don’t have a piece that I just memorize and come and play. I improvise what I feel in the moment and how the energy of the crowd is. I study it and connect with it and it inspires my sound,” she said. 

The DJ added that sound has the power to link emotions through sound waves. It is not just consecutive beats, it is a form of communication and linking of minds. 

“Music affects the human mind like the brain, the brain frequencies, the heart rate, everything synchronises with the speed of music, that encourages the heart and brain to behave in a certain way, which results in different emotions,” she said. 

“In an event or a festival where you have five people listening to one speed of music — like the fast-beat music that people enjoy here — imagine that they’re all connected to one wave and one frequency in that particular moment.”

Kayan also shared with Arab News the many artists she is looking forward to seeing perform, including many local female artists. 

“The artists I’m most excited to see are the local ones, we have so much talent and this platform is the way for them to express themselves musically, we have so many brilliant female DJs and local artists,” she said.

“This is very empowering and inspiring. I think music goes beyond gender, beyond any limitation, including beyond language barriers for us as Saudi female artists to finally have a proper professional platform to express our art and music. This is something I am very happy to see,” she added. 

MDLBEAST’s SANDSTORM festival will come to a close on Sunday, Dec. 19 with Swedish DJ Alesso shutting down the BIG BEAST stage.


Prominent artworks at Riyadh Metro stations blend daily life, creativity

Updated 03 December 2024
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Prominent artworks at Riyadh Metro stations blend daily life, creativity

  • Masterpieces transform the daily commute into a celebration of art, architecture and creativity
  • Since its launch in 2019, Riyadh Art has seamlessly integrated art into the urban fabric

RIYADH: Riyadh Art, one of the world’s largest public art programs, has unveiled four monumental public artworks with the launch of the Riyadh Metro, transforming stations into cultural landmarks.

At the King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station, designed by the internationally acclaimed Zaha Hadid Architects, Alexander Calder’s “Janey Waney” takes center stage.

The lofty and colorful sculpture exemplifies Calder’s pioneering spirit in kinetic art, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors.

Nearby, Robert Indiana’s “LOVE (Red Outside Blue Inside)” — one of the world’s most recognizable artworks — captivates visitors with its vibrant interplay of color and universal themes of connection and hope.

Together, these masterpieces transform the daily commute into a celebration of art, architecture and creativity.

At the Qasr Al-Hokm Downtown Metro Station, designed by the renowned architectural firm Snohetta, Ugo Rondinone’s “The Sun” makes a striking golden centerpiece, symbolizing energy and renewal.

Complementing this is Zaman Jassim’s “When the Moon is Full,” a reflective and poetic piece inspired by Riyadh’s cultural heritage.

“These permanent artworks embody our vision of transforming Riyadh into an open-air gallery that enriches the quality of life and fosters a deeper connection between people and art,” said architect Khalid Al-Hazani, executive director of Riyadh Art.

“By collaborating with some of the most creative minds of our time, we’re not just adding art to public spaces — we’re creating cultural landmarks that inspire and engage generations,” he added.

Al-Hazani told Arab News: “The beautiful thing is that there is a specialized program under Riyadh Art dedicated to installing artworks in all 85 stations that we’ve already selected, which will be produced and placed within the upcoming year.”

Led by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, Riyadh Art is championing cultural innovation and economic diversification, and positioning the Kingdom’s capital as a global center for contemporary art and culture.

Since its launch in 2019, Riyadh Art has seamlessly integrated art into the urban fabric, displaying over 500 artworks by more than 500 local and international artists, hosting more than 6,000 community engagement activities, and engaging more than 6 million visitors.

As the program continues to expand, the number of artworks and initiatives is expected to grow significantly, fostering a sense of community, enriching the city’s identity, and elevating Riyadh’s standing as a global arts destination.


Billboard Arabia Music Awards to present more than 40 prizes in Riyadh this month

Updated 03 December 2024
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Billboard Arabia Music Awards to present more than 40 prizes in Riyadh this month

DUBAI: The inaugural edition of the Billboard Arabia Music Awards — which will take place on Dec. 11 at the King Fahad Cultural Centre, as part of the first edition of Riyadh Music Week — will present awards in more than 40 categories, organizers announced.

Some of the categories include Top Artist, Song of the Year, Best in Dialect Charts, and Top New Artist of the Year.

With 210 nominations and 96 artists covering top songs, artists, composers, songwriters, and producers, Al Shami leads the nomination count with 14, while other prominent stars such as Assala Nasri, Ahmad Saad, Tamer Ashour, alongside Elissa, Dystinct, Ayed and Tul8te, are also nominated. 

The event will feature musical performances by some of the most prominent artists in the region and the world, including Elissa, Dystinct, Ahmed Saad, Ayed and Tul8te, among others.

The event celebrates established and emerging regional talents, as well as the songs that have gained wide popularity on the trusted Billboard Arabia charts, including the “100 Artists” and “Hot 100” charts, and genre-specific and dialect-specific charts.

Billboard Arabia and the inaugral Billboard Arabia Music Awards is a result of a partnership between SRMG and Billboard. With Saudi Arabia’s live events market projected to surpass $1 billion by 2025 and streaming platforms in the region experiencing annual growth rates of between 10 percent and 15 percent, Billboard Arabia is poised to shape the regional and global music scene, driving economic growth and fostering creative expression.

Mike Van, the president of Billboard, expressed pride in the strategic partnership with SRMG, saying in a statement: “The Billboard Music Awards is globally recognized as the pinnacle of musical achievement, celebrating artists for their chart success and industry impact. We are excited to bring this legacy and vision to the MENA region, shining a spotlight on the incredible talent and musical excellence of local artists. This collaboration provides them with a unique platform to amplify their presence on a global stage.

“Winning a Billboard Arabia Music Award is a significant milestone in an artist’s career, one that can significantly accelerate their journey and open new doors for success,” he added.

Rami Zeidan, managing director of Billboard Arabia, described the event as historic: “Shaping new cultural trends in music has always been a fundamental part of Billboard’s pioneering philosophy.”

He highlighted that “the Billboard Arabia charts reflect our steadfast commitment to empowering the next generation of musical talent and celebrating the music that deeply influences listeners’ tastes and shapes the evolving music landscape.”

Zeidan further stated that “the music industry in the MENA region is experiencing unprecedented growth and rapid expansion, making it a focal point for global music platforms.”


Japanese artist Takayuki Mori’s interpretation of Saudi culture on display at Noor Riyadh

Updated 03 December 2024
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Japanese artist Takayuki Mori’s interpretation of Saudi culture on display at Noor Riyadh

RIYADH: Japanese visual artist Takayuki Mori pays homage to Saudi culture and heritage in his latest work, which can be seen at Noor Riyadh, the Kingdom’s annual festival of light and art. 

In “View Tracing #5 ‘LABYRINTH’,” the artist creates a visual manipulation experience featuring prominent cultural elements such as the falcon, mabkhara (incense burner), dallah (coffee pot), and an oud musical instrument mounted on large blocks and steps. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by TMW BTR (@tmwbtr)

“I designed this with the structures based on Islamic geometrical patterns, so when people see it from the top, you see the patterns. After doing some research, I selected objects inspired by Saudi Arabia and the neighboring regions … These represent the senses — taste, smell, sound,” Mori told Arab News. 

All the objects on display are 3D-printed and lined with fluorescent thread which glows in the ultraviolet-lit room, the lines creating geometric shapes that resemble computer-generated graphics. 

Viewers cannot physically smell, taste or hear the items, but the artist creates an experience where echoic, olfactory and taste memory come into play.

Japanese visual artist Takayuki Mori. (Supplied)

As they navigate the maze-like pathways they are challenged to test their own memory, creating a unique experience of determining what we presume to be true and what really is in both virtual and physical spaces. 

“This physical sculpture and installation was made digital to explore the relationship between two and three-dimensional, the analog and digital Riyadh,” said Mori.

Previous artworks in the series use a grid pattern, but this one features triangular patterns signaling to the motifs commonly found in old houses in Diriyah, the capital of the first Saudi state. 

This is Mori’s first time visiting and exhibiting his work in the Kingdom and he expressed his optimism for the region’s art scene: “It’s very powerful and energized. I’m very excited for the future here. I’ve talked with artists from Saudi and other countries and they are very motivated, so I got some inspiration from them and I’d like to continue that in my work.”


Stars Aamir Khan, Emily Blunt to be honored at Red Sea Film Festival

Updated 03 December 2024
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Stars Aamir Khan, Emily Blunt to be honored at Red Sea Film Festival

  • They are receiving the festival’s Red Sea Honoree award in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the film industry

JEDDAH: The Red Sea International Film Festival announced on Monday that stars Aamir Khan and Emily Blunt will be honored on the opening night of the Saudi festival’s fourth edition running from Dec. 5-14 in Jeddah.

Bollywood superstar Khan is an acclaimed figure in Indian cinema and known for films such as “Dangal” and “Ghajini.”

Blunt is an Academy Award nominee recognized for roles in blockbusters including “A Quiet Place” and “Oppenheimer.”

They are receiving the festival’s Red Sea Honoree award in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the film industry, organizers said.

The pair will also take part in the festival’s “In Conversation With” series, which features distinguished industry figures discussing their careers and insights into the art of filmmaking. Other participants in the series this year include Eva Longoria, Andrew Garfield and Ranbir Kapoor.

Jomana Al-Rashid, chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, praised the honorees, saying: “We are thrilled to celebrate Aamir Khan and Emily Blunt, whose remarkable achievements and enduring contributions to cinema have left an indelible mark on the industry.”

Khan expressed his gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the festival’s role in uniting global artists.

“Cinema has been my lifelong passion, and to be amid such an inspiring group of artists from across the world is truly humbling,” he said.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized by the Red Sea International Film festival as it celebrates the impact and magic of cinema. I look forward to sharing my experiences, learning from others and collectively celebrating the art of storytelling that unites us all,” he added.

Blunt highlighted her excitement about the festival’s efforts to support women and emerging talent in the industry.

“I’m incredibly excited to be coming to the Red Sea Film Festival and grateful to be one of this year’s honorees,” the British actress said.

“I love all that this festival is doing for innovative and emerging talent in the film industry. In particular, I’m enthused by how they are empowering women in cinema and amplifying their voices,” she added.

The festival will also honor Egyptian actress Mona Zaki during the opening ceremony, while Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis will be recognized at the awards ceremony on Dec. 12.


Amina Muaddi promotes ‘fuzzy’ collection

Updated 02 December 2024
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Amina Muaddi promotes ‘fuzzy’ collection

DUBAI: Jordanian Romanian luxury shoe designer Amina Muaddi is busy promoting her winter drops, with K-Pop star Rose wearing her heels in a recent photo shoot.

Muaddi took to Instagram to reshare Rose’s posts, where the star is seen being photographed for her latest single, “Number One Girl,” wearing a Lupita crystal slipper in green.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ROSE (@roses_are_rosie)

The designer’s latest collection, titled Drop 24/25, launched in October. Over the weekend, she used Instagram to promote winter-friendly shoes including the Veneda stretch boot, the Anok bootie and the Lila slipper.

In September, Muaddi unveiled her latest heels on none other than Rihanna, as the singing star was spotted at Milan Fashion Week. Muaddi created a custom pair of Anok mules in a shade called butter satin and Rihanna attended shows by Ferragamo, The Attico and Gucci, wearing each of the brands as she sat in the front row. She also turned heads at the Dior show during Paris Fashion Week last month, while French Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair graced the runway for Danish fashion label Ganni.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AMINA MUADDI (@aminamuaddi)

Muaddi, a regular at Dior fashion shows, opted for a classic white button-down shirt and a sleek black satin pencil skirt. She accessorized her look with a pair of dark round sunglasses and a small textured blue Dior handbag.

Since launching her eponymous footwear line in August 2018, Muaddi has attracted a loyal following of celebrities including Dua Lipa, Gigi Hadid, Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber. Her brand, known for its distinctive footwear, bags and jewelry, has quickly become a favorite among the fashion elite.

Since the launch, Muaddi has enjoyed a series of successful events, notably her collaboration with Rihanna’s Fenty collection. Their partnership earned the Collaborator of the Year award at the 34th FN Achievement Awards in 2020.

A year later, Muaddi’s influence and success were further recognized when she was named one of Women’s Wear Daily and Footwear News’ 50 Most Powerful Women.