Sole DXB has come to an abrupt but unforgettable end, and if you weren’t lucky enough to experience it firsthand, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. From the moment you stepped through the gates, you were instantly immersed in a space celebrating everything arts and culture. Talks spanned the minds of creative visionaries across fields, from architecture to mindfulness, and even the art of being an audio therapist, as DJ Uncle Ronnie so aptly described it.
The festival’s layout was a feast for the senses, with booths scattered across the venue. This year, regional brands took center stage, showcasing fresh, boundary-pushing designs that encouraged attendees to shop local and rethink their usual go-tos. London-based Libyan brand Medina turned heads with its standout crochet pieces blending streetwear and delicacy; Sn3 Sudan brought a slice of home with their bukhoor-infused setup and bold jacket designs; and Suez Studio delivered an intricate blend of Egyptian and Iraqi influences. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Day one
The 12th edition of Sole kicked off with a bang on Dec. 13, and the lineup didn’t disappoint. The main stage featured two mesmerizing performances: South African band The Joy swept the crowd away with their magical harmonies, setting the perfect tone for the weekend. Then came James Blake, who, in true James Blake fashion, sipped tea between delivering hauntingly powerful vocals that left everyone in their feels.
Over at Stage 2, Saudi DJ Nooriyah brought her signature infectious energy, ensuring no one stood still. The beats were pulsing, and the vibe was electric—exactly what you’d expect from Sole.
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Day two
If Day one was a warm-up, Day two was the main event. Stage 2 transformed into a hub for unforgettable performances. London’s Ezra Collective blew everyone away with their jazz-fusion genius, while Mansur Brown’s understated stage presence was completely offset by his seductive guitar solos. Then came Arrested Development, igniting the crowd with chants of “Power to the people!”
On the main stage, the lineup was equally stacked. Marwan Pablo, presented by Diesel, brought his introspective yet hard-hitting rap to the stage. The enigmatic Tul8te had everyone singing along to his breezy summer hits, including a mahragan track that set Egyptian attendees alight. Dreamville’s J.I.D. delivered an impeccable set, showcasing lyrical dexterity. But the night belonged to Tems. At just 28, she’s already a legend, blending R&B, neo-soul, hip-hop, and Afrobeats in a genre-defying performance. Her voice moved effortlessly between jazzy minimalism and soulful grooves, leaving the audience spellbound.
Day three
By Day three, we were running on fumes—but it was worth it. Stage 2 kicked off with Kingston Dub Club, bringing reggae vibes straight from Jamaica to Dubai. Then came Sid Sriram, whose fusion of rock and Indian classical left the crowd in awe. But the real showstopper was DJ Questlove, who treated us to a set straight out of The Get Down, blending soul, disco, and hip-hop into an unforgettable groove.
As for the main stage, Sudanese-American rapper G-Salih delivered a heartfelt performance, weaving poetic truths with messages of peace and humanity. And to close the weekend? None other than The Roots. Their hour-long set was a funk-filled odyssey, seamlessly blending decades of hits with fresh arrangements. Black Thought’s shape-shifting lyricism reminded everyone why he’s a hip-hop icon, while the band’s covers of funk classics like Soul Makossa and Jungle Boogie were pure magic. The finale, The Seed 2.0, erupted into a jam session so cathartic it felt like the perfect goodbye.
