Expo 2020 to take visitors on an absorbing musical adventure

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Gulf Today

Expo Beats, a unique monthly festival that takes visitors on a journey around the globe through music, dance and culture, and collaborative music series Late Nights @ Expo will together present a feast of colour, creativity and culture throughout Expo 2020 Dubai, which opens its doors to the world from Oct.1. 2021.

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Encompassing six distinct musical roots, each Expo Beats festival is based on the ethos of creating exciting fusions between artists of diverse backgrounds, from the island influences of Hawaii, the Philippines and the Caribbean to the tribal rhythms of Tanzania and Bangladesh. The monthly series will blend genres, create fusions and invite the world to experience traditional and contemporary sounds in new and exciting ways at Expo’s Jubilee Stage.

 Colombian Latin-pop singer Fatiniza.

The line-up will be infused with music, dance, visuals and spoken word, from traditional styles to current trends. Prominent acts include Indian dream-pop duo Parekh & Singh; one-man-band loop specialist and X Factor Australia finalist Jaymie Deville; the acoustic guitar melodies and soulful vocals of UAE-based singer songwriter Rony Sarkis; UAE-based Arab band As Per Casper, who create full-bodied, symphonic pieces; NOON, a UAE-based trio known for funk grooves, African and Indian percussive rhythms and electronic effects.

Taking place once a month on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for eight hours starting from 4pm onwards, the vibrant performers have been carefully selected to appeal to the diverse community of music lovers of all ages, nationalities and interests who will be visiting the mega-event.

Tareq Ghosheh, Chief Events and Entertainment Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Music is a universal language that brings together people and cultures – at a time when our communities need it most. We are delighted to be able to host such wonderful and inspiring talent from around the world in a safe environment – celebrating humankind in a fun and engaging way.”

The rich and diverse programme launches with World Beats in October, which will set the tone, featuring artists from every corner of the planet. Jubilee Beats coincides with the nation’s Golden Jubilee in November, focusing on artists whose stories began in the UAE. December’s Tribal Beats will be a cultural celebration of the planet’s many forms of authentic, ethnic, world music, arts and dance, while in January 2022, fans of modern and progressive artists can enjoy the City Beats showcase, with artists hailing from New Delhi to New York.

Performers include Syrian music composer, songwriter, and producer Iyad Rimawi along with his orchestra performing his melodic and touching scores with their unique fusion of oriental and classical elements; Jordanian singer-songwriter Dina Stars; funk-rock band Carl & The Reda Mafia; Chilean musician, songwriter and singer Sergio Catalan; Serbian singer-songwriter Aleksandra Krstic; Jaye & Foe, a six-piece multi-instrumentalist Dubai-based band known for their brassy, jazzy tinged folk sounds with elements of reggae, ska and gypsy rhythms; and Colombian Latin-pop singer Fatiniza.