
Balad Beast Festival Returns to Jeddah's Historic Heart in January 2025, Promising an Unforgettable Celebration of Musical Performances and Cultural Experiences
December 24, 2024
Balad Beast is set to make a grand return in its third edition in 2025, once again transforming the antique streets and vibrant markets of Al-Balad into a live canvas of music, art, and culture. On January 30th and 31st, visitors will converge in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed district for a two-day celebration that elevates the festival’s legacy as a cultural crossroad, spotlighting a diverse array of music genres, adventures, and immersive artistic experiences.
This year’s Balad Beast promises a diverse blend of globally acclaimed superstars and emerging talents in rap, soul, pop, electronic, and beyond.
Day one will feature some of the biggest names in the industry, including Grammy-winning 21 Savage, Atlanta rap star Gunna, JID, and 2020 Mercury Album of the Year winner Michael Kiwanuka. It will also showcase regional talent like Egypt’s Disco Misr, alongside local artists such as DISH DASH, Gazi, Saoud, and Varoo.
Day two will bring legendary hip-hop icon Wiz Khalifa, renowned producer Metro Boomin, Hats & Klaps—a dynamic duo known for their energetic live performances and fusion of house, techno, and funk—and ethereal pop sensation Ghostly Kisses from Canada. The lineup will also include the all-female Saudi rock band Seera.
Cultural Immersion and Creative Exchange
Beyond the music, Balad Beast presents a holistic cultural experience that invites attendees to engage with Al-Balad’s rich past while looking toward the future. Expanding on previous editions, the 2025 festival will feature:
Immersive Art Installations: Contemporary artists and designers will reimagine Al-Balad’s historic architecture with cutting-edge projections, large-scale sculptures, and interactive artworks.
Reflecting Balad Beast’s mission to foster cross-cultural understanding, the festival supports local businesses, artisans, and nonprofits. Through partnerships with community organizations, it aims to uplift local talent, promote sustainability, and ensure a positive long-term impact on Al-Balad’s cultural landscape.
Balad Beast is more than just a festival—it’s a convergence of voices, perspectives, and artistic expressions that transcend borders. With its 2025 edition, Balad Beast aims to foster new creative connections, cultivate innovation, and inspire future generations to celebrate and redefine cultural traditions.
Ahmed Alammary (Baloo), MDLBEAST’s Chief Creative Officer, said, “We are coming back to Balad with truly exciting experiences. Fresh music with new and returning acts, and as always, otherworldly immersive experiences inspired by our past, present, and future”
Balad Beast is a key event in MDLBEAST's lineup of distinctive experiences, aligning with the company’s promise of delivering unforgettable moments in iconic locations. To ensure the safety of historic sites, MDLBEAST is committed to conducting sound tests and strategically positioning stages to minimize sound impact on the buildings.
For more details on the Balad Experience, ticket packages, and the full lineup, please visit www.mdlbeast.com/events/balad-beast-2025 .
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