The rhythmic heartbeat of Sole DXB 2023 echoed through Dubai Design District as the region’s premier lifestyle and street-culture festival took center stage from December 8 to 10. This year’s musical extravaganza featured an unparalleled lineup that promised to be a symphony of diverse sounds, celebrating the rich tapestry of contemporary culture.
Sole DXB – Dubai Design District
Headliner and Legends on Stage:
Busta Rhymes, the headliner for that year, is an icon in the hip-hop world, renowned for his dynamic stage presence and groundbreaking contributions to the genre. His Sunday night performance was the grand finale, captivating the audience with his timeless hits and infectious energy.
Soulja, a Sudanese-born artist, has not only established himself as one of the most successful artists in the region but also as a cultural influencer. His performance promised to be a testament to the fusion of traditional influences with contemporary beats, creating a musical experience that transcends borders.
Saturday’s Power-packed Lineup:
On Saturday, December 9, the UAE witnessed the debut of Jadakiss, a momentous occasion for hip-hop enthusiasts in the region. Tobe Nwigwe, with his distinctive style and powerful storytelling, made a lasting impression, while the legendary Big Daddy Kane brought his classic rhymes to the Sole DXB main stage.
The stage was also graced by the Sudanese-American ODDISEE, known for his genre-defying approach that merged jazz, funk, and go-go into his hip-hop-rooted production. DJ Shadow, a pioneer in instrumental hip hop, was poised to elevate the musical journey with his skillful mixes.
Nadine El Roubi, a Sudanese singer, songwriter, and rapper based in Cairo, added a touch of elegance to the lineup with her versatile musical repertoire. The diversity in Saturday’s lineup reflected the festival’s commitment to showcasing the broad spectrum of hip-hop and its evolving global influences.
Nadine El Roubi
Local Flavor and Emerging Talents:
Adding a local touch, the UAE Mixtape took center stage, featuring rap artists from the region. The showcase included The Recipe, Tac, Tayeb Santo, A’Y, Maxi Zee, and Moh Flow, hosted by Mazzi of Def Jam. This segment highlighted the growing influence and talent within the Middle East’s hip-hop scene.
Tayeb Santo
Fashion:
Fashion Spotlight by d3 was a pop-up for fashionistas, featuring independent fashion and lifestyle brands that championed cutting-edge practices. Attendees immersed themselves in culturally rich collections by emerging designers from Palestine, South Africa, UAE, the UK, and beyond.
Highlighted brands included All Good, Chicagoland by Bayan Dahdah, Homies Marbella, Kazan Asker, Life of Abraham, Lilith NYC, Neartwins, and Reeborn Vintage. Notably, Retropia specialized in analogue, digital, and collectable cameras. BROKE Wear stood out as a daring fashion brand inspired by real-life experiences. Engy Mahdy (One and Four Studio) showcased timeless designs with a sustainability focus, and Medina seamlessly blended streetwear and luxury with North African influences while supporting Libyan flood relief.
Medina Wear
Les Benjamins, the upscale Istanbul-based streetwear brand, hosted an immersive pop-up experience adjacent to the main stage. Festival-goers explored and purchased items from the brand’s FW23 Collection, exclusive releases, and the avant-garde SS24 Collection, titled ‘Kismet Voyage East to West,’ inspired by Turkey’s rich heritage. The collection seamlessly blended comfort, futurism, heritage, and functionality.
Food & Beverages:
At Sole DXB 2023, the festival brought an array of homegrown F&B brands for guests to savor. Festival-goers had the opportunity to explore a diverse range of delectable dishes from renowned vendors, including 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.
Shake Shack
Sports:
During the 2023 edition, Sole Ball Above All (SBAA) returned, promising added thrills for festival attendees. Presented by Shake Shack, SBAA featured basketball tournaments with enticing rewards for winners, as well as captivating competitions and giveaway prizes.
SKATE by Vice provided a weekend of exciting competitions, giveaways, and workshops, delivering a nostalgic skate park atmosphere in the heart of the action for festival-goers. In a tribute to Dubai’s skateboarding heritage, Sole DXB 2023 introduced a specially crafted 374-square-meter flat land street-style skate area, replicating iconic local spots like the Deira Fountain and Sparks. This communal hangout featured a Vert Wall, Fun Box, and grind ledges.
Sole Ball Above All
Throughout the years, Sole DXB has played host to an array of influential performers and guests, from Wu-Tang Clan and Nas to Jorja Smith and Stormzy. The festival has become a melting pot of global and local talent, creating an immersive experience for attendees.
Sole DXB 2023 not only celebrated music but also embraced the broader spectrum of contemporary culture. The intersection of fashion, art, and the creative community took center stage, making Sole DXB more than just a music festival – it was a holistic celebration of Dubai’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Exploring, engaging, and immersing oneself in the sounds and sights of Sole DXB 2023 allowed the musical odyssey to unfold in spectacular fashion.
