MDLBeast Soundstorm 2022, Day One: Post Malone Serenades Saudi’s Youthquake
With over 700,000 festival goers expected to attend the three-day dance music extravaganza, Bazaar Arabia shares all the highlights from Day One
Post Malone can’t stop grinning. The award-winning rapper and singer-songwriter is surrounded by thousands of cheering festival-goers at MDLBeast Soundstorm 2022; it’s his first time performing in The Kingdom and, from the looks of it, he appears to be a bit overwhelmed, his heart bursting with appreciation and love for KSA music fans. In between his set list he repeatedly thanks the crowd for coming out, clearly humbled by their excitement.
MDLBeast Soundstorm 2022, Day One
Post Malone is in good company on the opening night of the region’s most anticipated music festival. Prior to belting out some of his best-known bangers like “Rockstar”, “Sunflower” and “Better Now,” Dutch DJ Tiësto took to the stage, serving the crowd with a memorable performance, complete with a dose of throwback Eurodance hit “Better Off Alone.”
The evening also saw performances by Cosmicat, R3HEB – who was joined on stage by Myriam Fares, Hamaki, Majid Almohandas and Modi Shamrani – DJ Snake, and Hardwell on the Big Beast main stage, whilst Zedd and Eric Prydz took over the Dance Tent. Rae Sremmurd told the crowd they didn’t want to leave Saudi Arabia during their performance at the Down Beast stage.
The region’s largest music festival, Soundstorm, has outdone itself for its third rendition, crafting a dance music-infused village just outside of Riyadh, one which rivals the likes of Tomorrowland and Coachella.
There’s a high line walkway that allows attendees to move quickly throughout the space – an excellent way access to the Premium and VIB viewing lounges for those who have leveled up from generation admission; endless rows of pop-ups, food stalls, and even a glitter parlor for those looking to bedazzle their faces in between sets, located next to the Bani Beast merch shop.
The crowd is enthralled with the entertainment options, respectful and excited to see their favourite artists live. Most notably, there are plenty of security and staff on hand to point attendees in the right direction, answer questions and lend a helping hand when needed.
A vibrant energy runs through the night with strong currents of optimism and anticipation for what’s to come next for Saudi youth culture and the regional music industry.
After more than two years of pandemic restrictions, KSA is ready to leave its mark on the international music scene, proudly playing home to what is sure to become another record-setting event.
See Day Two’s line up below…
For more information or to buy tickets to Days Two and Three, visit mdlbeast.com
Images supplied by MDLBeast
