- The Board of Advocates and Advisors contribute to XP’s day programming, knowledge production and integration in the international music community
- XP introduces new pillar “Innovation” as part of diversifying its programme pillars
- The event will return November 28-30, as part of Riyadh’s LOUDEST WEEK. Register now: https://mdlbeast.com/events/xp-2022
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia– XP Music Futures today unveils new details around the much-anticipated music conference, the first its kind music industry event in the Middle East.
The music conference is dedicated to being an inclusive and representative platform for the region’s music industry; and as such, one of the ways XP Music Futures is ensuring such diversity is through partnering with a Board of Advocates and Advisors.
The partnerships with these industry professionals will in return contribute and be reflective to a diversified set of content that will be at the heart of XP. This year, a new building block will be introduced at XP, Innovation, with the programming of the conference centering on: Talent, Impact, Scene and Innovation.
The diverse set of industry professionals confirmed to serve on XP’s Advocates and Advisors Board this year include: LA-based artist, musician and technologist Arabian Prince, obsessed about innovation, digital technology and music production; music producer and curator Saud Alturki, founder of Los Angeles-based record label Brij Entertainment with operations in Riyadh, Marcela Rada, a skilled sound engineer and a college professor specialized in immersive audio, with several years of experience working with independent artists; Natasha Stambuli, digital media specialist with a passion for seeing the African culture and music scene elevated on the global map; and UAE-based Karima Damir, regional music and entertainment mogul and head of A&R and Marketing at Sony Music Middle East.
Advocating for XP, entrepreneur and founder of Saudi clothing brand Proud Angeles and fashion consultancy Proud X, Mohammed Bajbaa will be joining the Board as a leader in breaking barriers and pushing innovative cultural perspectives. Additionally, jack of all trades, Jara will be joining as one of the first Saudi female rappers, bringing a valuable component to the continued success of the music conference. Having performed at SOUNDSTORM last year as part of an incredible regional line up, DJ Spce Boi returns to Riyadh this year to join XP Music Futures as an advocate on the Board, further strengthening ties in the regional music scene.
“The ultimate objective of XP is to accelerate the development and transformation of the music landscape across the Middle East,” says Nada Alhelabi, XP Director. “We are grateful to be driving, crafting and optimizing wonders into our world.”
“83% of last year’s attendees loved XP because of its programming. Partnering with a diverse set of professionals means guests see representation they can identify with and relate to. Our trusted Board of Advocates and Advisors serve one way for us to stay connected to the communities as best as we could and deliver another great edition of valuable cultural and music exchange, tangible progress and inspire unlimited innovation.”
Professionals from the regional music scene, as well as industry titans with extensive experience within the international music scene, are appointed annually to create a cohesive event programming.
Committed to achieving diversity, XP ’22 will be looking at everything from speakers and artists to content for their day and Nite programmes.
New to this year’s programme pillars, Innovation will be looking at disruptive forward-thinking methods, positioning XP as the forerunner in the MENA region when it comes to innovation in the music and creative industries. It will not only discover and discuss how new technology is the driver of major change in the music ecosystem – exploring the fast-moving Web3, the new iteration on blockchain technology and Metaverse – but will also bring technology for guests to experience in immersive installations.
Supercharging creativity, Talent will be looking for ways to establish careers in music. The region’s bold creatives will share and celebrate their stories, throughout Day and Nite programming, as XP supports regional talent and businesses.
Mapping out opportunities and potential futures for developing the region’s emerging music industry, Scene will be focused on nurturing the music economy. Through a series of panels, workshops and masterclasses, this building block will explore opportunities in event management, cultural tourism and music policies.
As the event is set to enable and empower, Impact will focus on initiating dialogue around music, mental health, well-being and diversity of thought and representation. Over the course of the program, XP will highlight how sustainability, equality and social equity are fundamental in creating and maintaining a socially-conscious industry.
XP Music Futures will be kickstarting the loudest week of Riyadh, taking place on November 28-30, ahead of giant SOUNDSTORM festival, beginning right after the event. Music professionals and fans can register their interest https://mdlbeast.com/events/xp-2022