In the vibrant heart of the MENA region, XP Music Futures emerges as a powerhouse driving the evolution of the music industry. With a dynamic lineup of initiatives for 2024, this trailblazing organization is poised to nurture emerging talent, empower industry professionals, and elevate regional music culture on a global stage. From artist mentorship and entrepreneurial support to gender equity and immersive learning, XP Music Futures is redefining the boundaries of innovation, paving the way for a future where the MENA music scene shines brighter than ever before.

Unlocking the Potential of Regional Talent

XPERFORM: A Platform for Rising Stars

Launched in April, XPERFORM is a dynamic platform that gives regional singing artists the chance to showcase their talents on the prestigious XP Music Futures and Soundstorm stages. This initiative has introduced a panel of esteemed judges, including Shamma Hamdan, Defencii, Hassan Abouelrouss, and Rawan Alfassi, who have meticulously evaluated over 1,000 applications. The live auditions, held on July 6-7 at the Music Hub in Riyadh, provided a captivating stage for promising talents to showcase their skills. XPERFORM not only identifies rising stars but also offers a launchpad for regional artists to reach new heights and take the next step in their careers. The competition will be relaunched in October, with the final episode recorded during SOUNDSTORM 2024, where the XPERFORM winner will have the opportunity to perform before a captivated audience of over 30,000 guests at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.

XCHANGE: Shaping the Regional Music Conversation

Ahead of the XP Music Futures conference, MDLBEAST has spearheaded a series of XCHANGE workshops across key cities in the region. These events have been instrumental in addressing the latest challenges and trends in the MENA music industry, with successful workshops held in Kuwait, Tunisia, and Amman this year. By identifying hot topics and fostering community connections, the XCHANGE workshops play a crucial role in shaping the XP conference program, ensuring that the discussions and insights shared at the event are truly reflective of the region's evolving music landscape.

HUNNA: Amplifying Female Voices in Music

HUNNA, a women-led initiative derived from the Arabic plural of "she," is on a mission to champion and amplify female talent within the music industry. By providing essential support for both personal and professional growth, HUNNA aims to break down barriers and foster equity across the MENA music landscape. The initiative offers its community of over 100 members opportunities for mentorship, masterclasses, gatherings, and increased visibility within the industry. HUNNA creates a vital space for women to thrive and reshape outdated systems, building a more inclusive music industry. In 2024, Hunna hosted four listening circles, where women in the MENA music industry could connect and exchange knowledge through a series of interactive activities and workshops.

Sound Futures: Investing in Innovation

Sound Futures is a groundbreaking initiative that offers aspiring musicians and innovators the opportunity to pitch their revolutionary ideas to industry investors. Inspired by the popular "Shark Tank" format, this campaign seeks to secure funding and mentorship for projects that have the potential to reshape the music landscape. Launched in early August, the initiative has already generated significant interest, with investors and selected startups set to be announced later in the summer. The finalists will undergo pitch training before presenting their innovative concepts to investors live at XP Music Futures from December 5-7.

Storm Shaker: The Ultimate DJ Competition

Storm Shaker is a DJ competition that invites aspiring talents from the MENA region to showcase their craft in front of top industry figures and MDLBEAST Records representatives. Launched on August 23 with over 250 submissions, the competition's finalists will battle it out during XP Music Futures in December. The winner of this year's Storm Shaker competition will embark on a tour around the MENA region and Europe, starting with Soundstorm 2024 in KSA, followed by performances at O'Beach Dubai in the UAE, EXIT Festival in Serbia, MOGA Festival in Morocco, and BSMT The Club in Tunisia.

Artist Management Bootcamp: Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders

The Artist Management Bootcamp is a two-week intensive program designed to develop the next wave of artist managers through expert-led sessions and mentorship. With applications opened in July and the program kicking off in November, participants will gain crucial industry knowledge and skills. Successful candidates will receive certification during XP Music Futures and benefit from networking opportunities and potential internships. This year, the initiative has partnered with key industry leaders such as YouTube, Warner Music Middle East, and Sony Music Entertainment, ensuring that participants receive the highest level of training and guidance.

Xine: Capturing the Pulse of Regional Music Culture

The Xine is an annual freeform publication that captures the essence of the MENA music scene through insights gathered from the XCHANGE workshops. With contributions from regional journalists, photographers, and designers, the Xine serves as a time capsule of the region's creative energy. The 2024 edition will launch at XP Music Futures, celebrating the vibrant culture and diverse voices that drive the regional music ecosystem.MDLBEAST's 2024 initiatives represent a bold and multifaceted approach to supporting talent, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of the music industry in the MENA region. As the region continues to establish itself as a global music hub, MDLBEAST remains at the forefront, empowering the next generation of creators, leaders, and changemakers, and positioning the MENA music scene for unprecedented growth and success.