Culture

EarthSoul Festival 2023 in Dubai tunes into topic of sustainability

18 Oct 2023

Emirati artist Arqam.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

EarthSoul Festival 2023, a first-of-its-kind eco-conscious music festival in the UAE, is set to take place December 8 - 10 at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. The event is in line with the UAE’s declaration of 2023 as the Year of Sustainability.

The three-day celebrations will feature a line-up of over 20 international and local artists who will perform and present music, art, creativity and entertainment, to deliver a powerful message on marine conservation and the fight against plastic pollution.

A spectrum of musical talents will light up the stages of the fest, promising an experience that will hopefully create a profoundly positive impact, to resonate in the Middle East region.

On the cards are performances by internationally acclaimed artists like English popstar Anne Marie, renowned Moroccan singer, songwriter, record producer RedOne, Prinz, Turkish sensation Mustafa Ceceli, Emirati artist Arqam, Filipino alternative stars December Avenue, Indian Hardrock supergroup Girish and the Chronicles, Benny Dayal and Funktuation, Nouaman Belaiachi, Punjabi star Riar Saab, Coke Studio stars Shae Gill from Pasoori fame and Young Stunners, among other sparklers.

Indian Hardrock supergroup Girish and the Chronicles.

Commenting on the festival, Pragna Vaya, Managing Director at Orbit Events, festival organiser, said: “We are happy to announce the EarthSoul Festival where music, art and sustainability converge to celebrate our planet. The festival embodies the idea that the process of change starts with each one of us; it showcases sustainable practices in action. We believe in the power of art and music to inspire and drive positive change.

This will make EarthSoul Festival serve as a catalyst for creating a sustainable world for all. This event will be a memorable experience that transcends mere entertainment to become a call to action. It is a commemoration of creativity, and a testament to the importance of sustainability.” “The EarthSoul Festival is set to be a tribute to the well- being of our Mother Earth,” she added.

Benny Dayal will be performing at EarthSoul Festival 2023.

“It will promote the call to ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ and encourage people to use old, discarded, recycled and up-cycled materials in creative ways. To that end, the festival’s stage, art installations and overall structure will be meticulously crafted using these materials. The event beckons eco-conscious individuals, music and art enthusiasts and advocates to unite, while upholding the ‘leave no trace policy’.

It is aimed to entail a deep commitment to the sustenance and preservation of our Earth, becoming an inclusive platform that bridges communities, initiating crucial conversations and empowering individuals to make a tangible impact on our planet.” Arqam, a renowned Emirati Soul singer of the UAE whose music embodies the values of environmental stewardship, peace, tolerance, love and understanding, shared his thoughts saying: “I’m supremely honoured to represent the UAE at Dubai’s first eco-conscious music festival.

Nouaman Belaiachi was raised in Morocco.

Eagerly anticipate the opportunity to craft a truly unforgettable experience in this celebration of Earth, art and music.’’ In addition to the musical performances, organisers say that festival-goers can also expect a rich tapestry of informative experiences at the festival.

Engaging workshops, wellness sessions and panel discussions centred on marine conservation and plastic pollution, will seek to enlighten and empower, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and exploring solutions.The festival’s immersive art and decor installations, crafted from recycled and upcycled materials, are focused to serve as educational tools, inspiring attendees to a greener way of living.

The festival will also host the University Art Contest, where talented students from Dubai’s top universities and design schools will showcase their creative works in line with the theme ‘Oceans of Change.’ The contest not only aligns with marine conservation and plastic pollution reduction, but also echoes the focus of COP28 in Dubai, offering a platform for emerging artists to shine and contribute to the festival’s message of sustainability.

Filipino alternative stars December Avenue.

The participants will also be able to explore a diverse array of offerings in the festival market that includes mouth-watering dishes at the food truck zone, peruse eco-markets featuring sustainable merchandise, and immerse themselves in the eco-village and other not-to-be-missed attractions.

The festival gates will be open from 11.30 am every day. The event has secured endorsements from notable partners including Dubai Calendar, Dubai Shopping Festival, Hospitality Partner JA Resorts & Hotels and Wellness Partner Wealth of Wellness, along with other key supporters and sponsors.

Additionally, the festival is collaborating with mission partners Bye Bye Plastic to show the way to a plastic-free transition and is engaging with both global and local NGOs to forge meaningful impact in efforts to offset the carbon footprint. EarthSoul can be considered UAE’s premier eco-conscious music festival.

It will be the place where the song of the Earth, now damaged, embraces the healing music of the soul. A festival experience where music, art, and sustainability unite to weave stories, it puts forward the message of living responsibly.

The celebration of 20+ high-energy entertainment by international and local artists coming together is directed to foster a deep-rooted connection to the Earth, our home. The venue will feature art and decor installations that showcase the beauty of upcycled materials, championing the art of reusing and recycling.

Art vis-à-vis the habitat is concerned with environmental forces and materials: it re-envisions humans’ relations with nature to remediate damaged environments. Without us perhaps not realising it, most environmental problems also stem from our lifestyle and our role as consumers. To set things right, movements such as EarthSoul is needed. Your attention is essential!