The winner of six GRAMMY Awards will take to the stage at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi this weekend.

Basketball fans, prepare to dribble with excitement. The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 are back this weekend, and they’re bringing a series of fan events and concerts to the capital.

T-Pain, whose real name is Faheem Rashad Najm, will headline the event at Etihad Arena on Friday, 6 October. The American singer, songwriter, and producer rose to fame in the mid-2000s with his distinctive use of Auto-Tune, a vocal processing technology. T-Pain’s innovative and catchy sound revolutionised contemporary R&B and hip-hop, making him a pioneer in the “Auto-Tune era.”

His debut album, Rappa Ternt Sanga (2005), showcased his unique style, and his highly successful albums include Epiphany (2007) and Thr33 Ringz (2008). He is best known for the hit singles Bartender, Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’) and I’m Sprung, which dominated the charts and became anthems of a generation.

T-Pain has collaborated with numerous artists, further solidifying his influence on hip-hop culture. His work with Kanye West on Good Life earned him a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song in 2009. He has also collaborated with Akon, Chris Brown, Kehlani, Lil’ Wayne, Lily Allen, Ne-Yo and Wiz Khalifa.

The very first NBA Fan Appreciation Day at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena will allow fans to get up close and personal with players from the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves, and even rub shoulders with NBA legends like the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kenny Smith. You’ll also witness some skills challenges, three-point contests featuring your favourite players, and slam dunks from professional dunkers. 

The NBA District returns to Manarat Al Saadiyat for an interactive fan extravaganza from 5 to 8 October. Meet the stars – Tim Hardaway Sr and Gary Payton. Shoot some hoops on a full-size NBA court, snap a photo with the Larry O’Brien Trophy, snag limited-edition NBA merchandise and much more. 

The NBA excitement culminates with the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves coming face to face for two pre-season games on Thursday, 5 October and Saturday, 7 October, at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

GO: Visit https://www.etihadarena.ae for more information.