New headliners have been revealed.
Brits will be familiar with Wireless Festival, one of the UK’s biggest music events which brings together the biggest names in hip-hop, rap, R&B, grime and dance. Now, as the festival prepares to make its return to the capital with Wireless Middle East 2024, FACT can reveal all artists performing at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Park on Saturday, 23 November.
Playboi Carti
Known for his genre-defying style, Playboi Carti will headline the event alongside Opium members Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely, and Homixide Gang. Together, they’ll deliver a unique, two-hour set that highlights their dark, experimental sounds and intense visuals, paying homage to Atlanta’s rage scene and punk’s raw aesthetic.
His rap collective, Opium also join the lineup as a worldwide exclusive. Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely, and Homixide Gang will perform individually as well as collectively alongside Playboi Carti under the name “Opium”. This unique arrangement promises an electrifying 120-minute set, offering fans an unforgettable experience with some of urban music’s most innovative and dynamic talents. The addition of Playboi Carti and Opium comes following SZA’s cancellation.
21 Savage
Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, better known by his stage name 21 Savage, is a British rapper who has gained notoriety in the US trap scene. Born in London but raised in Atlanta, the origins of his stage name remain unclear, although some speculate it stems from a difficult period in his youth.
His breakthrough came in 2016 with the collaborative EP “Savage Mode” alongside producer Metro Boomin. This project, featuring hit singles No Heart” and “X”, a collaboration with Future. He solidified his place with a guest spot on Drake’s massive hit “Sneakin'” later that year. He earned a Grammy for “A Lot” and released a collaborative album “Her Loss” with Drake in 2022. His latest album, “American Dream”, boasts the hit singles “Redrum” and “Née-Nah” and includes features from Doja Cat, Lil Durk, Summer Walker and Travis Scott.
Yeat
Born in 2000 and raised between Irvine, California and Portland, Oregon, Yeat is an American rapper, singer, and producer. His rise to prominence began in mid-2021 with his mixtape “4L” and debut album “Up 2 Me.” He’s known for his experimental sound that blends elements of hip-hop, trap, and even cloud rap, while tracks like “Money So Big” and “Get Busy” exploded on TikTok, propelling him into the spotlight. This year, his third album “Afterlyfe” was released. Plus, he landed a major feature on Drake’s chart-topping hit “IDGAF.” With his unconventional fashion sense and captivating music, Yeat is a rising star in the rap industry.
A Boogie Wit da Hoodie
Born Julius Dubose, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie has built a reputation as a rap and R&B sensation, blending melodic beats with relatable lyrics. Rising to fame with his 2017 debut album The Bigger Artist and its hit single “Drowning,” he has since delivered chart-topping projects like Hoodie SZN and Artist 2.0. With sold-out tours and show-stopping festival appearances at Coachella and Lollapalooza, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie replaces Karan Aujla on the Wireless lineup.
Saweetie
Known for her infectious energy and signature style, Saweetie skyrocketed to fame in 2016 after her Instagram freestyles went viral. Her breakout hit “Icy Grl” (2017) achieved double platinum status, paving the way for her to dominate the charts with tracks like “Tap In” and the Grammy-nominated “Best Friend” featuring Doja Cat. With her debut album on the horizon, Saweetie is set to bring her undeniable star power to the Wireless stage. Saweetie replaces Flo Milli, who will no longer be performing at this year’s edition.
What is Wireless Festival Middle East?
Wireless Festival started in London’s Hyde Park in 2005 and has since spread across the city. It has also taken place in Leeds and Birmingham and in Frankfurt, Germany, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Over the years, Wireless Festival has created memorable musical moments. Drake booed the rain away, Prince Harry was once spotted in the crowd, Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne rolled above the crowd in an inflatable bubble, and Kanye West ranted for 20 minutes about creative freedom and Nike.
Judging from last year’s sold-out event in Abu Dhabi, which saw 25,000 music fans descend on Etihad Park, Wireless Middle East 2024 is expected to be bigger and better. Revellers can also witness the eclectic talents of Afroto, Dina Ayada, Faris Shafi, Fridayy, Lancey Foux, Mazen, Raf Saperra, Seedhe Maut, and the locally-based group Stick No Bills.
How do I get tickets for Wireless Festival Middle East?
Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting at AED 345. A limited number of VIP Garden tickets, offering an elevated festival experience, are available for AED 1,600.
Check in with FACT for the latest news about Wireless Middle East 2024.
GO: Visit https://wirelessfestival.me for more information.
