There are those events that are so good, you can’t help but continue replaying them over and over in your head. Such was the case with the second edition of Balad Beast 2025, the annual music festival, which got underway in Jeddah from Jan. 30 to 31. For two unforgettable days, Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad neighborhood transformed into the buzzing epicenter where music and culture collide, and we are still mentally there.
Organized by MDLBeast, the lineup for this year’s 2025 Balad Beast was nothing short of legendary. Think: Metro Boomin, 21 Savage, and Gunna, who had hip-hop lovers hyped with their hard-hitting trap anthems and signature melodic flows. It wasn’t all trap and hip-hop though, Seera, an all-female Arabic psychedelic rock band, and Disco Misr, delivered sets that were both raw and hypnotic, blending traditional Arabic sounds with modern beats to get everyone on their feet.
Zeyne’s performance was another standout moment. When asked what sets Balad Beast apart from other festivals, the rising Palestinian artist shared, “I like the fact that it’s more intimate than the other festivals I’ve performed in. It felt like the crowd and I were very close. They were able to sing with me, and I could hear them too.” Her blend of Arabic influences and soulful R&B truly created a deep, almost magical connection with the audience, making the experience feel unique and personal.
Her spectacular performance was followed by Saudi MC Asayel, who took to the stage to deliver some of her biggest hits. “It’s my third time being here, and Al-Balad is for everyone. The festive vibes bring everyone together—you won’t feel alone at all,” she told festivalgoers in between her set. And that’s exactly what Balad Beast is about—bringing people together through music, breaking barriers, and making everyone feel like they belong.
If this year was anything to go by, next year is going to be even bigger. Until then, I’ll be holding onto these memories and counting down the days until we do it all over again. In the meantime, here’s a playlist, inspired by the festival’s line-up, to help us wait.
