2024 Soundstorm Took Over The Middle East This Past Winter

The beauty of music is the way it can connect people from all walks of life and different time zones. This was abundantly clear at the 2024 Soundstorm Festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The festival, hosted by MDLBeast, featured a special press conference with Akon, who spoke about taking a mental health break from music, his excitement to perform in front of the Saudi Arabian faithful, and forthcoming music. When asked what he is most proud of from his successful career, he told VIBE, “My longevity.” He later added that he was excited that he was able to collaborate with Michael Jackson on “Hold My Hand,” a record from the late legend’s first posthumous album, Michael.

On the first night of Soundstorm, Eminem delivered a set of his classic records plus new tracks from his latest album, The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce). Skylar Grey joined him to provide her celestial vocals on “Stan,” “Love The Way You Lie,” “Monster,” and “Somebody Save Me.” There was a jovial nature to the Detroit legend’s demeanor, especially when he renamed himself “Salim Shaady” and asserted multiple times that he would love to move to Riyadh. And despite how trying 2024 was for Drake, Slim Shady breaking into “Forever” nearly turned Riyadh upside down.

Other major acts who appeared at the festival included Linkin Park, The Roots, Russ, Camila Cabello, A$AP Rocky, Latto, J.I.D., Tems, Gordo, and more. There was also a special moment where superstar footballers Neymar da Silva, Mohammed al Qahtani, Angelo, and Otávio appeared onstage to celebrate Saudi Arabia being selected as the 2034 location for the FIFA World Cup. 

What was especially so powerful about Soundstorm Festival was the fact that fans had such a good time despite the event adhering to KSA law, meaning no alcohol or drugs. Inebriation and the effects of drugs have become second nature to fans’ music enjoyment across the world, especially at festivals, but with Soundstorm, it was all about the hundreds of thousands of attendees gathering in the name of loving music, and more importantly, respecting Saudi Arabian culture. 

Soundstorm Festival first began in 2019 as an electronic dance music festival. It has since expanded to include rock, rap, pop, and house while showcasing artists worldwide. While the flight(s) may be long, and immersing in the culture could come off as daunting, Soundstorm Festival and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia have proven to be worthwhile destinations every mid-December.