MDLBEAST Soundstorm returned for its 2023 installment and turned the volume up like never before.
Housed in Riyadh and boasting a main stage that holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest structure of its kind, this year’s edition of the festival stands as its most
Only at Soundstorm could there boast a lineup that fuses EDM, Hip-Hop, R&B, Afrobeats, Metal, and more. A true toast and testament to music being a unifier and a universal language.
Taking place over December 14-16, the extravaganza brought it with titan-sized sets from the likes of Chris Brown, David Guetta, Will Smith, Metallica, Travis Scott, Pusha T, Wiz Khalifa, Steve Aoiki, the Black Eyed Peas, and MENA region favorites such as Asayel, Dafencii, and Cosmic Cat.
Join us below as we recap the most resonating Soundstorm to date and tally our top performances from an unforgettable weekend…
Chris Brown
For a talent as towering as Chris Brown, few – if any – of the stages he’s graced over the course of his career have been as befittingly colossal as the ‘Big Beast’ stage he rocked at Soundstorm.
Armed with a cadre of dancers, C. Breezy delivered a scorching set comprised of hit after smash hit. A more pronounced lean on Afrobeats by way of bops such as ‘Mona Lisa’ and Wizkid collab ‘Call Me Every Day,’ shone a light on his uncanny ability to sonically evolve and thrill with a through-line that is still definitively “Chris Brown.”
Holistically, the set may as well have been sponsored by Duracell, as the singer’s energy was breathtaking. Even by his own high-octane standards. A force field of energy filled up the stage and showcased the 34-year-old in all his seasoned, slick, and show-stopping glory.
Often deemed one of the greatest showmen of this contemporary climate, this performance potently reaffirmed why.
Highlights: Sensational, Turn Up the Music, Back to Sleep.
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Wizkid
A seasoned commander of the stage, the sequinned Starboy shone with ample luminosity.
Emblematic of the spirit and heart of Afrobeats, revelers created circles of choreography and hit the “gbese gbese,” “shaku shaku,” and “gwara gwara” in animated excitement as the likes of ‘Joro’ and ‘Ginger’ blared from the speakers.
Make no mistake, though, Suerele’s Finest was the nucleus and kept the audience in the palm of his hand with a flavorsome flow of the inescapable anthems that have, over the last decade, catapulted him to icon status.
H.E.R. joined the Nigerian megastar on stage for an icing on the cake showing of ‘Smile’ from Wiz’s latest studio album, ‘More Love, Less Ego.’
Highlights: Essence, Joro, Ojuelegba.
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Will Smith
Easily one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons, Will Smith served as somewhat of a surprise addition to the stacked lineup. For a multitude of reasons.
Smith’s multidimensional career and cross-generational appeal made this a nostalgic trip down memory lane for some and a curious discovery for others. The return of Will Smith “the rapper” alongside longtime partner in rhyme, DJ Jazzy Jeff made for appointment viewing and the crowd was fittingly packed to capacity.
Fresh from their performance at the A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop, the duo did not disappoint – blazing through decades worth of songs that have served as the soundtrack to the lives of so many.
Smith, who was briefly joined on stage by his son Jaden, visibly soaked in the adoration in earnest.
Speaking with ample emotion, he thanked Saudi Arabia for the love showered on him and declared “I’ve always wanted to come here”
And, based on the reception to this showing, it’s clear he will always be warmly welcome.
Highlights: Summertime, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air x Switch Medley.
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H.E.R.
Easily one of the most decorated stars in the contemporary R&B climate, H.E.R. waved the flag for the genre in a major way at Soundstorm 2023.
Blending butter-smooth vocals with a charisma that was equal parts chilled and commanding, the GRAMMY and Oscar winner thrilled with a fiery set that spotlighted her versatility.
Heartwrenching slow jams were followed by thunderous high-octane moments such as her rousing showing of ‘We Will Rock You.’
Highlights: Best Part, Damage, We Will Rock You.
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50 Cent
Serving as an adapted and, in places, expanded take on Curtis’ Final Lap Tour, the Hip-Hop maestro arguably saved the best for Riyadh.
Unleashing an onslaught of seismic smashes, the G-Unit general kept command of the capacity crowd with sweet treats like ‘Candy Shop,’ ‘Baby By Me,’ and, of course, ‘In Da Club.’
Given 50’s wins across TV and film, as well as his myriad of entrepreneurial endeavors, one could be forgiven for – dare we say – forgetting the sheer number (and size) of hits Curtis has in his cannon.
With his performance at Soundstorm, he reminded that his layered legacy rests on a colossal catalog that is ever etched in history.
Highlights: In Da Club, This Is How We Do, Magic Stick, Many Men.
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Now in its third year, Soundstorm continues to stand as a true uniter of many worlds. Worlds of talent, worlds of genres, and quite literally various regions across the world.
With a lineup and format like no other, the festival is generating a magnetic heat that will be sure to see this blazing spectacle lasso in the masses the more.
We’re already buzzed about Soundstorm 2024 and can confidently say: you should be too!
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Pending then, MDLBEAST is gearing up to host Balad Beast 2024 in Jeddah this January – and the lineup is lit!
Set to take place January 18-19, the festival will boast sets from the likes of Ty Dolla $ign, the Wu-Tang Clan, Russ, and more. Click here for ticket info.
