As the mercury rises and summer draws closer, there is a palpable sense of excitement for the thrilling music festivals and electrifying gigs on the horizon. To steer your spring and summer plans, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to meticulously curate a list of the must-attend music events across the region. From Black Coffee in Amman to Don Toliver in Abu Dhabi, read on for the upcoming festivals and gigs worth clearing your calendar for.
Black Coffee
Amman, Jordan
April 29, 2024
View this post on Instagram
The Grammy-award-winning artist Black Coffee will make his Jordan debut in Amman on April 19. Hosted by Amman’s Overground event series, the eagerly anticipated show promises an electrifying atmosphere filled with pulsating rhythms and infectious energy. Alongside Black Coffee, local DJs like Raed and Amray will set the stage on fire with their unique sounds, making this a night to remember. Don’t miss out on experiencing the South African sensation’s distinctive blend of traditional African percussion and metropolitan techno.
Sandbox Festival
El Gouna, Egypt
May 16-18, 2024
View this post on Instagram
Escape to the picturesque shores of El Gouna, Egypt, from May 16 to 18 for the ultimate electronic music experience at Sandbox Festival. Known as the largest electronic music festival in Egypt, Sandbox has been enchanting music enthusiasts since its inception in 2012. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Red Sea Coast in the coastal resort town, this three-day open-air rave offers an unparalleled festival experience.
Soundscapes
Zanzibar, Tanzania
June 15-19, 2024
View this post on Instagram
In collaboration with Sole DXB, Soundscapes Zanzibar promises a revolutionary festival experience featuring the custom-built Sole Sound System— hand-crafted in Kingston, Jamaica, by renowned sound system builder Ronald “Uncle Ronnie” Jarrett of 8 Mile Sound, this 28-cabinet stack promises to elevate your auditory experience to new heights. Festival-goers are invited to immerse themselves in the rich sounds of electronic music from June 15 to 19 against the backdrop of the breathtaking beauty of Bwejuu Beach and its lush jungle surroundings.
Timelapse Festival
Bouznika, Morocco
April 19-21, 2024
View this post on Instagram
Prepare for three days of non-stop music, art, and interactive experiences as the festival transforms Bouznika into a vibrant cultural hub from April 19 to 21. With over 55 international and regional artists performing across three stages, including techno don Ricardo Villalobos and Morocco’s very own electronic music pioneer, Adam Dirk’heim, Timelapse, held at the Vichy Célestins, promises an immersive journey through the diverse sounds of Morocco’s musical culture.
BRED Festival
Abu Dhabi, UAE
April 24-28 2024
View this post on Instagram
Following its highly–successful debut last year, the neo-culture festival, presented by Hypebeast, is back for its sophomore edition from April 24 to 28 in the UAE capital. From UK grime sensations J Hus and AJ Tracey to Metro Boomin, Offset, and Don Toliver, the 2024 BRED Festival lineup is set to feature some of the biggest names in the hip-hop scene. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness these chart-topping artists live in action as they take the stage.
Gnaoua Festival
Essaouira, Morocco
June 27-29, 2024
View this post on Instagram
Gnaoua music is a tradition established by descendants of West African slaves in Morocco, and was added to UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019. Essaouira’s iconic Gnaoua Festival is an annual celebration of the soulful art form. Since its debut in 1998, the world famous music fest has attracted hundreds of thousands of people to the historic beach town in anticipation of history-making performances. This year, the 25th edition of the festival will take place from June 27 to 29, and will include a diverse lineup of artists from across various genres, like trilingual sensation Saint Levant and Grammy nominated Spanish singer Buika, among others.
