The Contemporary Culture Festival returns to Dubai.
Leave it to Sole DXB to outdo itself year after year. The time around, the region’s ultimate youth and contemporary culture festival is returning to d3 with an even bigger musical lineup than ever before. Brace yourselves, because it’s about to get sole-ful.
For the uninitiated, Sole DXB is a Dubai-based festival owned and developed by Sole, the leading voice in the youth and contemporary culture scene. Its multi-format programming encompasses three nights and two days of live music, DJ sets, fashion, film screenings, talks, workshops, sports tournaments and youth clinics, collectively serving as the premier experiential platform for the world’s top brands.
Artists
Sole DXB is known for bringing big-name acts to Dubai, and this year is no different. Recently revealed additions to the impressive roster include James Blake, a young British singer-songwriter and Grammy Award winner, set to grace the stage on Friday, 13 December. This day will also see other big names, such as The Joy, take to the main stage.
Time time around, Sole DXB 2024 is brining an additional stage to the mix. On Friday, this will see Saudi-born Nooriyah bring her mix of dance music with cultural elements to the second stage.
On Saturday, 14 December, Tems, will headline the main stage. This will mark her Sole DXB debut, promising a blend of Afrobeats, R&B and pop to the audiences. Tems has worked with the likes of Drake and Wizkid in the past, which ensures she’s all set to turn up the heat at the event. Other acts on Saturday will see Grammy-nominee J.I.D., Hey Abi, TUL8TE, Show Dem Camp and LORDKEZ to name a few. The second stage will shine a spotlight on multi-Grammy-winner Arrested Development, Mansur Brown, Jarreau Vandal, Ezra Collective and MzRizk.
The last day of Sole DXB will see The Roots headlining the main stage. Known as one of the greatest bands in pop music, their hits include What They Do, You Got Me, The Seed and many more. With four Grammys under their belt, they’ve cemented their position as one of the most respected acts in the music world.
Joining The Roots on Sunday, 15 December, at the main stage are Grammy-nominated Latto, Belgian rap artist Hamza, G-Salih and Hanumankind from India, whose track, Big Dawgs, has been going viral on social media. On the other hand, the second stage will see the likes of Sid Sriram, DJ Questlove and Floyd Lavine turn up the crowd.
Exhibitions
A list of this year’s exhibitions at Sole DXB is yet to be announced, but if previous years are any indication, expect tons of exciting ones in store. Last year saw the collaboration with Gulf Photo Plus, which featured Occupied Pleasures, a photography exhibition by Tanya Habjouqa. The exhibition offered a multi-dimensional depiction of humanity’s resilience in finding joy amidst challenging circumstances in occupied Palestine. It captured the experience of being occupied under Israeli control and the act of occupying oneself with joy and defiance through pastimes and simple pleasures.
Fashion
Spotlight by d3 is a pop-up for fashionistas featuring various independent fashion and lifestyle brands that champion cutting-edge practices and underline their dedication to the community. Immerse yourself in the original, culturally rich collections crafted by emerging designers from Palestine, South Africa, UAE, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
Highlighted brands include Azra Active, which focuses on loose-cut clothing for women; Aaura, with delicate jewellery pieces; Sharjah-based jewellery brand Barzakh; Daastangoi from Islamabad, which presents fragrances reminiscent of South Asian nostalgic elements; This is Me Sneakers; and Peace Venue. Kismet by Milka will be making its Sole DXB debut this year and offering jewellery pieces and piercing services on site.
Other brands on the venue will include Aota, Atlal from Galbi, PariaF Farzaneh, Finchitua, Mad Kicks, Almost Gods, Five Pillars, Sure, Ok and Palestinian-owned NIVIOUR, to name a few.
Speakers
An integral part of the Sole DXB 2024 weekend is the talk program, featuring engaging discussions with influential figures in fashion, music, publishing, and design. This year’s line-up of speakers is yet to be announced. However, expect the likes of some big guns as previous version have witnessed Karl Kani, the legendary figure renowned for outfitting Hip Hop artists from Tupac to Quavo, BMX athlete and philanthropist Nigel Sylvester and much more.
Sports
Similarly, several sports events and activations are expected to make part of Sole DXB, however, the agenda for this year is yet to be announced. Previous versions saw, Sole Ball Above All (SBAA), SKATE by Vice and many more.
In a nod to Dubai’s skateboarding heritage, Sole DXB will bring back the specially crafted 374-square-meter flat land street-style skate area, replicating iconic local spots like the Deira Fountain and Sparks. This communal hangout features a Vert Wall, Fun Box, and grind ledges.
Like always, Sole DXB will be bringing more homegrown F&B brands to the festival. Going by past events, the festival saw the likes of Chef Halawa, Eatopia, Falafel For The People by One Life Kitchen, Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori, Homer Lobster, Jailbird, Kitopi, Kooya, Mattar, Miss Lily’s DXB, Pickl, PINZA!, Project Chaiwala, Rascals, Seven Fortunes, Shake Shack, Temple Creamery, West to West Kitchen, and Za Za.
Sole DXB 2024 tickets are currently up for sale. Prices start at AED 445 for three days and go up to AED 845 per person. So grab yours now via Platinum List and get ready to rock.
We’ll see you there.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
