KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE is a melting pot of cultures and, by extension, languages, entertainment and other avenues. In that spirit, the Wireless Festival Middle East sounded an apt name when an array of artists took to the stage at the Etihad Park on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on Saturday, each transcending geographical boundaries to spread fun through the medium of music.
The initial outlook seemed not so promising with a few names pulling out, but the rest of the artists still drew in a massive audience to cause enormous traffic jams late into the night around the Yas Marina Circuit. There were all sorts of nationalities with each trying to pick up the cultural influences and knowledge about artists from other regions.
With artists like the US rappers SZA and Playboi Carti, and Indian hip-hop star Karan Aujla pulling out, the enthusiastic audiences helped smooth over a rocky lead-up to the concert. Standing in at short notice were artists Saweetie and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
From seasoned international superstars to emerging regional voices, the event delivered a vivid spectrum for the musically inclined.
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 British-born rapper delivered a minimalist yet impactful set, leaning on his decade-long catalogue 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.
Representing South Asian hip-hop and regional talent, the rap duo band of Seedhe Maut raised eyebrows with their high-octane performance, blending sharp bars, clever references, and unrelenting energy. They showed their range with super-fast rap sheets and then a number from the unique Namastute, a rap single with lyrics based on the traditional Indian heritage language of Sanskrit.
Pakistani rapper Faris Shafi added another level of balance for the subcontinental expatriates. His ability to merge meaningful lyrics with a playful delivery made him a standout act.
Among the global acts, US rapper Saweetie proved her star power with hits like "Best Friend", which showcased her 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.
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.
Also performing on the second stage were regional acts such as Egypt's Afroto – "Tege Goal" and "Brazil" fame – and Moroccan-American rapper Dina Ayada whose tracks like "Starlight" and "100 Bands" showcased her potential as a breakout artist.