XPERFORM 2025 Returns to Spotlight Emerging Singing Talent from the MENA Region

The MDLBEAST Foundation just announced that applications are open for XPERFORM in 2025, the pioneering initiative dedicated to discovering and nurturing the next generation of singers across the MENA region. Applications are now open, with auditions set to take place on June 28th and 29th in Riyadh, as the competition builds on its mission to empower emerging singers and connect them to life-changing opportunities in the music industry. Applications to XPERFORM 2025 can be submitted now via this link.

XPERFORM made waves in 2024 by attracting over 1,000+ applicants from 36 nationalities and crowning singer-songwriter Lamia Khattab as its winner. Khattab's journey from audition to victory led to a standout performance at Soundstorm 2024, positioning her as one of the most promising new voices in the MENA region.

Returning to the judging panel is Shamma Hamdan, Emirati artist who has emerged as a dynamic force in the Middle Eastern music industry. Captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and distinctive style, Shamma has solidified her status as one of the Gulf region’s most beloved artists. Rawan Alfassi, an A&R leader at MDLBEAST Records and a driving force behind some of the region’s most exciting musical breakthroughs; and Dafencii, the Sudanese-Saudi rapper whose viral rise and lyrical mastery have earned him widespread acclaim. Joining them for the first time is Aziz Maraka, the celebrated Jordanian singer-songwriter whose genre-bending style and millions of devoted fans have made him a household name throughout the Arab world.

Aspiring vocalists across the region are encouraged to apply for this unique opportunity to be mentored by industry leaders and perform on a platform that offers unprecedented exposure. XPERFORM has previously spotlighted talents who have gone on to establish themselves in the music scene, including Asayel, winner of the 2022 edition, and Djmubarak, a standout finalist in 2023. The journey of XPERFORM will culminate at XP Music Futures 2025—MDLBEAST’s annual music conference held in Riyadh, celebrating its 5th anniversary this December. This landmark event unites the region’s music scene through its core pillars of talent, scene, impact, and innovation—providing a space where artists, professionals, and fans alike come together to shape the future of music in the Middle East. Catch highlights from last year's competition here: XPERFORM 2024