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XP Music Futures, a leading company driving MENA’s music ecosystem, is launching a 2024 project aimed at nurturing emerging talent, empowering industry professionals and elevating the region’s music culture on the global stage. We are proud to announce our dynamic lineup of initiatives for the year. XP Music Futures continues to push the boundaries of innovation in the MENA region and beyond, offering programs ranging from artist mentorship and entrepreneurial support to gender equality and immersive learning.
XPERFORM: Competition to develop local talent
Launched in April, XPERFORM is a platform that offers regional singing artists the opportunity to perform with XP Music Futures, Soundstorm, and expand their careers through opportunities with MDLBEAST Records. The initiative introduced a new panel of judges, including Shamma Hamdan, Defensi, Hassan Aboulous and Lawan Alfassi. With over 1,000 applications received, live auditions were held at Riyadh’s Music Hub on July 6th and 7th, where promising talents showcased their skills. XPERFORM not only discovers rising stars, but also provides a springboard for regional artists to reach new heights and take the next step in their careers. XPERFORM will restart the mini-series in October, with the final episode being recorded during SOUNDSTORM 2024, where the XPERFORM winners will perform. The 2023 XPERFORM finalists performed in front of over 30,000 spectators at the Saudi Grand Prix.
XCHANGE: Shaping the local music conversationAhead of XP Music Futures, MDLBEAST launched XCHANGE workshops in major cities to address the latest challenges and trends in the region’s music industry. With successful events held this year in Kuwait, Tunisia, and Amman, these workshops are helping shape the XP conference program by identifying hot topics and fostering community connections. The final workshop will be held at XP Music Futures from December 5th to 7th, bringing together industry experts and enthusiasts to dive into meaningful discussions that will shape the future of MENA’s music scene.
HUNNA: Amplifying women’s voices in music
HUNNA, a female-led initiative derived from the Arabic plural “she”, is on a mission to champion and amplify female talent within the music industry. HUNNA aims to break down barriers and promote equity across the MENA music landscape by providing essential support for both personal and professional growth. HUNNA provides a community of over 100 members with mentoring, masterclasses, gathering opportunities, and the opportunity to increase their visibility within the industry. This initiative creates critical space for women to grow, reshape outdated systems, and build a more inclusive music industry. In 2024, Hunna hosted four listening circles, allowing women in the MENA music industry to connect and exchange knowledge. Group sessions will run for one and a half hours and feature a series of interactive activities and workshops for local female talent.
A healthy future: investing in innovationSound Futures offers aspiring musicians and innovators the opportunity to pitch their breakthrough ideas to industry investors. This “Shark Tank”-style initiative aims to secure funding and guidance for innovative projects that can reshape the music world. The campaign launched in early August, with investors and selected startups announced later in the summer. Finalists will receive pitch training and then present live to investors at XP Music Futures from December 5th to 7th.
Storm Shaker: The ultimate DJ competition
Storm Shaker is a DJ competition that invites aspiring talent from the MENA region to showcase their skills in front of top industry figures and representatives from MDLBEAST Records. The finalists of the contest, which started on August 23rd with over 250 entries, will compete at XP Music Futures in December. This year’s winner will take part in a tour of MENA and Europe, starting with Soundstorm 2024 KSA, before heading to Obic Dubai. EXIT Festival in UAE, MOGA Festival in Morocco, BSMT The Club in Tunisia,
Artist Management Bootcamp: Developing the Next Generation of LeadersArtist Management Bootcamp is an intensive two-week program designed to develop the next generation of artist managers through expert-led sessions and mentorship. With applications opening in July and the program commencing in November, participants will gain critical industry knowledge and skills. Successful candidates will earn certifications and benefit from networking opportunities and internship possibilities during XP Music Futures. This year, the initiative partnered with key industry leaders including Youtube, Warner Music Middle East, and Sony Music Entertainment.
Xine: Capturing the pulse of local music culture
The Xine is an annual freeform publication that captures the essence of the MENA music scene through insights gleaned from XCHANGE workshops. In collaboration with local journalists, photographers, and designers, Xine serves as a time capsule of the region’s creative energy. The 2024 edition will be unveiled at XP Music Futures, which celebrates the vibrant culture and diverse voices that drive the region’s music ecosystem.
MDLBEAST’s 2024 commitment represents a bold step in supporting talent, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of the music industry. As the MENA region continues to establish itself as a global music hub, MDLBEAST remains at the forefront, empowering the next generation of creators, leaders, and changemakers.
