The Balad Beast 2025 music festival promises to bring a vibrant fusion of global and local talent to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on January 30-31. Set against the stunning backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al-Balad, the event has curated a lineup that celebrates a variety of musical genres and artistry.
Headlining the festival are international stars like 21 Savage, Gunna, Metro Boomin’, and Wiz Khalifa, offering fans an unforgettable dose of trap and hip-hop. Beyond these chart-topping acts, attendees will be treated to soulful performances by Michael Kiwanuka and Ghostly Kisses, as well as an appearance by Zeyne. The lineup also includes a dynamic electronic music program, featuring artists such as Alexander Skancke, Brawther, Maceo Plex, and Mau P, alongside many others.
A key highlight of Balad Beast is its emphasis on showcasing local and regional talent. Acts like Dish Dash, Biirdperson, and Vinyl Mode reflect the festival’s dedication to spotlighting the growing music scene within Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Organized by Saudi-based music entertainment company MDLBEAST, the festival will transform the Historic District of Jeddah into a pulsating hub of music and culture. Using the area’s historic courtyards to host four distinct stages, Balad Beast combines traditional Saudi elements with modern stage production. Stunning visual projections on Al-Balad’s historic architecture further enhance the immersive experience.
MDLBEAST, founded in 2019 with the launch of its flagship festival SOUNDSTORM, has quickly grown into a multifaceted music powerhouse. It operates under three main divisions: XP Music Futures, MDLBEAST PRESENTS, and MDLBEAST Record Label. The company recently ventured into music publishing with MDLBEAST Publishing, which aims to support songwriters, producers, and artists across the MENA region while partnering with Sentric for global reach.
Last month, MDLBEAST hosted XP Music Futures, a music conference held in Riyadh that focuses on amplifying the creative and music industries in the region. This initiative, along with events like Balad Beast, underscores MDLBEAST’s mission to position Saudi Arabia as a cultural and artistic hub.
Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST, described Balad Beast as a “truly unique music and art festival” that bridges Saudi heritage with contemporary artistry. “By projecting incredibly crafted visuals on the historic buildings, we fuse traditional elements with cutting-edge stage production, offering music lovers a multi-stage, multi-genre experience where music can be enjoyed at every corner,” he said.
As Jeddah’s Historic District comes alive with music, art, and culture, Balad Beast 2025 promises to deliver an unforgettable experience that celebrates the city’s rich history while propelling its creative scene into the global spotlight.
