The Wireless Festival Middle East 2024 at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Park faced an uphill battle after last-minute cancellations by major headliners threatened to overshadow the event. The enthusiastic audiences helped smooth over a rocky lead-up. The turbulence began weeks before the event when SZA, originally slated as the headliner, cancelled her performance along with the rest of her tour. This setback forced organisers to secure a replacement in the form of US rapper Playboi Carti. However, just hours before the gates opened, Carti also withdrew, with Live Nation Middle East attributing the decision to the artist’s “unfortunate and last-minute” choice.

Adding to the disruption, Punjabi hip-hop star Karan Aujla and American rapper Flo Milli also pulled out just days before the festival. Their slots were quickly filled by Saweetie and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. Despite these challenges, the show went on, with fans rallying to celebrate a dynamic mix of international and regional talent.

However, the festival’s diverse lineup and the energy of its performers ultimately created an unforgettable evening, showcasing the global breadth and depth of hip-hop talent. From seasoned international superstars to emerging regional voices, the event delivered a vivid tapestry of music that resonated with the eclectic audience.

21 Savage Brings It Home

The night’s highlight came from 21 Savage, who stepped into the headlining slot with a commanding performance that balanced cool professionalism with raw energy. The rapper delivered a minimalist yet impactful set, leaning on his decade-long catalog of hits. Tracks like On BS and Red Opps showcased his signature staccato delivery and brooding beats, while collaborations like Rockstar with Post Malone and Creepin with The Weeknd underscored his versatility as one of hip-hop’s most in-demand collaborators.

Saweetie and Fridayy Keep the Momentum Alive

Among the global acts, US rapper Saweetie proved her star power with hits like Best Friend, which showcased her playful charisma, and her tropical-infused single Nani, hinting at a promising debut album on the horizon. Meanwhile, Haitian-American artist Fridayy brought soulful versatility to the stage, seamlessly transitioning from trap beats to 90s-inspired R&B. Tracks like When It Comes to You and Forever left the audience eager for his next album, set to release next year.

Vibrant Regional and Desi Talent

Adding a unique flavor to the event was the festival’s celebration of South Asian hip-hop and regional talent. Delhi-based rap duo Seedhe Maut commanded attention with their high-octane performance, blending sharp bars, clever references, and unrelenting energy. As reigning stars of the Indian hip-hop scene, they brought a raw, authentic vibe to the festival, thrilling the audience with their bold lyricism and electrifying stage presence.

Pakistani rapper Faris Shafi added a dose of fun and cultural pride to the evening. Known for his witty wordplay and sharp commentary, Shafi’s performance was a seamless blend of modern rap flows and renditions of traditional folk tunes, creating a dynamic set that had the crowd both laughing and reflecting. His ability to merge meaningful lyrics with a playful delivery made him a standout act, showcasing the growing influence of South Asian artists on the global hip-hop stage.

Mixed Performances and Regional Representation

Not all performances hit the mark, however. Homixide Gang, part of Playboi Carti’s Opium collective, fell short with a chaotic set that prioritised volume over coherence. Despite the power of tracks like Sharp Shooter, their delivery lacked finesse, leaving much to be desired.

On the second stage, regional acts shone brightly. Egypt’s Afroto delivered an electrifying performance, blending mahraganat-inspired autotune with pulsating beats on tracks like Tege Goal and Brazil. Meanwhile, Moroccan-American rapper Dina Ayada captivated the crowd with her precision and charisma. Fresh off a performance at Rolling Loud Thailand, Ayada’s tracks like Starlight and 100 Bands underscored her potential as a breakout artist in the US.

Challenges Met with Creativity

Despite the setbacks of last-minute changes, Wireless Festival Middle East 2024 retained its reputation as a global platform for hip-hop’s rising stars. By spotlighting artists from different cultural backgrounds and genres, the festival underscored its commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the music industry. While this year’s execution faced hurdles, the range of talent and the passion of the performers ensured that the festival remained a dynamic and celebratory event, setting the stage for a stronger return in 2025.

Jaffna Titans and Hambantota Bangla Tigers will lock horns with each other in the first match of the Lanka T10 Super League 2024.

11th November, 2024: The inaugural edition of the Lanka T10 Super League 2024 is all set to begin on 11th December, 2024 in Kandy and the cricket carnival will kickstart with the opening ceremony ahead of the first game between Jaffna Titans and Hambantota Bangla Tigers.

The competition will see six franchises, Jaffna Titans, Hambantota Banga Tigers, Colombo Jaguars, Nuwara Eliya Kings, Kandy Bolts and Team Galle Marvels up against each other in a round-robin format.

The Qualifiers and the Eliminator matches are scheduled to be played on 18th December, 2024. Team 1 will lock horns with Team 2 in Qualifier 1, Team 3 will face Team 4 in the Eliminator match while the Qualifier 2 will see the runner up of the Qualifier 1 play the Winner of Eliminator.

The title clash will be played between the Winner of Qualifier 1 and Winner of Qualifier 2 on 19th December, 2024 and will be followed by the closing ceremony.

Note to Editor:
The Lanka T10 Super League is an exhilarating 10-over cricket format, proudly organized and endorsed by Sri Lanka Cricket in collaboration with a consortium of industry leaders: T Ten Sports Management FZC (TSM), T Ten Global Sports FZE (TGS), and Innovative Production Group (IPG). Together, they are shaping the future of T10 cricket in Sri Lanka.

Bollywood’s award-winning playback singer and composer Vishal Mishra is all set to make his electrifying debut at Dubai’s iconic Coca-Cola Arena on November 22. Fans in the UAE are gearing up for an unforgettable evening as the maestro takes the stage to perform his chart-topping hits live for the first time in the city.

Renowned for his soulful voice and a discography brimming with heartfelt melodies, Vishal Mishra has left an indelible mark on the Indian music scene. From chartbusters like “Pehla Pyaar” and “Zihal e Miskin”  Vishal’s music has captured hearts worldwide. His signature blend of melody and emotion, combined with his ability to connect deeply with audiences, promises a concert that will be nothing short of magical.

Speaking about the upcoming concert, the 32-year-old star who rose to fame with the hit song “Kaise Hua” from Kabir Singh, shared his excitement: “Performing in Dubai is always like a dream, and I am thrilled to finally connect with my fans here at the Coca-Cola Arena. Music has the power to unite people, and I can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with everyone. I promise it will be a night filled with love, energy, and pure magic.”

A Night to Remember:

The Coca-Cola Arena, one of Dubai’s premier entertainment venues, will set the stage for this extraordinary event. Known for its state-of-the-art acoustics and vibrant atmosphere, the arena will provide the perfect setting for Vishal Mishra to bring his music to life, offering fans a front-row seat to the essence of Bollywood’s musical brilliance.

Attendees can look forward to an intimate yet high-energy experience, as Vishal performs his Bollywood Chartbusters like “Pehle Bhi Main” from movie ‘Animal’, Oscar award winning “Nacho Nacho” from Movie RRR and fan favourites such as Zihal-e-miskin, Aaj Bhi and Manjha.

With fans across the region eagerly awaiting this event, tickets are already selling fast. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of Vishal’s music or only discovering his artistry for the first time, this concert promises a night to remember for all.

Event Details:
Date: 22nd November 2024
Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Tickets: https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/94400/vishal-mishtra-live-in-coca-cola-arena-dubai