XP Music Futures is back, and the energy already feels different this year. With the festival marking its five-year milestone, here’s your shortcut to what’s actually worth clearing your schedule for from December 4–6.
Zeyne’s Back and Ready to Own the Stage
Zeyne is back on the XP NITE stage. Expect emotional vocals, experimental edges, and a very Riyadh kind of confidence.
Wegz and Ayed taking over the daytime program
Egyptian hitmaker Wegz and Saudi musician Ayed join Sony Music Middle East panels to talk artistry, identity, and Arab pop culture. If you’re curious about how they think behind the scenes, this is unmissable.
India takes center stage
For the first time, XP is spotlighting India. Expect genre-crossing performance styles and cultural collaborations popping up across stages and sessions.
The NITE lineup goes global
When the sun goes down, JAX turns into a 360° music universe. Must-sees:
- KILIMANJARO
- Sama’ Abdulhadi
- Etran de L’Aïr
- Lina Makoul
Plus showcases from regional and international labels — perfect for discovering new names you’ll brag about liking first.
The creative ecosystem that’s quietly growing
XP isn’t just parties and panels. The MDLBEAST Foundation is pushing talent development harder this year:
- HUNNA — spotlighting women shaping Arab music
- PWR CHORD, XPERFORM, Storm Shaker — semi-finals and finals happening this week
- Hearful x Arabtone — hearing-health initiative
- Artist Management Bootcamp — shaping the next generation of managers
If you want to get lost: installations, jam sessions, DemoLab, XP Market
JAX is full of moving parts. Installations, brand activations, and spontaneous jam sessions mean you’ll stumble into something unexpected. DemoLab and XP Market are perfect for meeting new creatives and discovering new tools.
In short
You don’t need to hit everything to have the “XP experience.” Pick a few things that excite you — a talk, a nighttime set, a moment you want to be part of, and let the rest unfold naturally.
XP’s fifth year feels like a turning point. If you’re in Riyadh this week, you’re right in the middle of it.
Still haven’t grabbed your tickets? It’s not too late— get them here.