Under a vast, starlit sky, ancient 7th-century walls resounded with Saudi music as MDLBEAST opened the gates to Balad Beast 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The historic district of Al Balad burst into life with vibrant sound and light. I stepped into an atmosphere that felt both reminiscent of the past and daringly new. The night air pulsed with anticipation, and every face shone with creative energy. The festival transformed old stone walls into a living canvas. Dynamic projections played over heritage facades while modern beats echoed down narrow lanes. Music filled the space, uniting past memories with future dreams. I felt as if every note carried the spirit of generations. The celebration was a moment when history met modernity in a single, synchronous beat.
Jeddah’s Multifaceted Soul
Jeddah is known by many names, and one translates to “Grandmother.” This depiction honors its role as the cradle of cultural history in the Kingdom. While the city pulses with modern ambition, Al Balad remains its sacred heritage site. Wandering through the streets of this UNESCO heritage site, I sensed deep-rooted stories carved into every wall and pathway. The city’s layered identity inspires a creative pulse that MDLBEAST captures each year. Traditional architecture and contemporary art share the same space without conflict. Local traditions blend with the modern vibe to forge an authentic cultural dialogue. Jeddah’s spirit is both a proud memory and a bold vision. This duality powered the festival and lent it an unmistakable intensity.
A Pause for Reverence Amid the Rhythm
As the gates opened at 5:00 pm the music softened about an hour in, to honor culture, religion, and ritual. The beats paused mid-party to respect the call for prayer. This pause did not sap the energy; it deepened the emotional impact of the night. Attendees observed the moment with quiet reflection before the rhythms surged back. The respectful interlude united the modern and the traditional in a single heartbeat. It reminded every guest that innovation and reverence can coexist. I watched the crowd’s eyes close in silent respect as the festival paid homage to its heritage. The moment strengthened the sense of community and cultural pride. In that brief silence, ancient customs merged with contemporary passion.
The Magic of Production and Design
MDLBEAST spared no effort in crafting an immersive visual and sonic experience. Digital projections transformed timeworn walls into dynamic, moving art. Every detail, from signage to floor markers, was carefully planned and executed. Local artisans worked alongside modern designers to shape unforgettable stages. High-tech 3D mapping danced across historic surfaces and created mesmerizing effects. Street performers emerged unexpectedly to entertain and surprise. The production design was both precise and innovative. It honored the heritage of Al Balad while pushing artistic boundaries. Every laser burst and beat drop felt deliberate and full of meaning. The visual spectacle enhanced the raw emotion of the performances. I marveled at how seamlessly old and new intertwined throughout the night.
Backstage with a Visionary: A Conversation with Baloo
Backstage in the artists’ village, I sat down with Ahmed Alammary. Known as Baloo, he’s a veteran DJ and MDLBEAST’s Chief Creative Officer. His eyes shone with determination and kindness as he shared his vision for Saudi music. Exploring its future and potential success—will it mean packed clubs, global stardom for Saudis, or a permanent cultural shift? He answered, “All of the above, but mostly it is very personal to me.” He continued, “I want to see several Saudi-born music genres emerge that are modern yet true to our roots.”
Baloo explained that success is not solely about integrating the Arabic language. “It is about percussion, instrumentation, and a new approach to both listening and creating,” he said. He noted that Saudi music remains mysterious, unseen, and unheard. “This part of our culture is still formulating,” he added. “In ten years, I see an opportunity for Saudi to create music that is uniquely our own.” His words resonated deeply, painting a future where local sounds lead global trends.
Building Global Bridges: The Strategy of Exporting Saudi Talent
Curious about the international journey of Saudi music, I asked Baloo about exporting talent overseas. He replied with a confident tone: “Yes, there is an ‘export’ strategy that has evolved organically over the past five years.” He mentioned that artists like Majid have already performed in Romania, Tunisia, Zanzibar, and Ibiza. Baloo explained, “We are also helping Cosmicat and others secure bookings worldwide.”
He stressed that every artist must build a strong following at home first. “When I created an audience in Saudi, that base led to regional bookings,” he explained. “I now have a following in Berlin and Ibiza, but it all began at home.” His insights made it clear that local success is the first step to global recognition. Each performance abroad is rooted in the authentic connection built within their own community. Baloo’s vision revealed that the growth of Saudi talent depends on nurturing local pride before taking on international stages.
Cultural Exchange: Educating Through Performance
The conversation turned to the challenges Saudi talent might face on the global stage, particularly the risk of cultural misunderstandings or misconceptions. Baloo paused for a moment, then smiled, drawing me into his narrative.
He began, “Let me tell you a story.” He recalled his first performance at Fabrika in Tunisia. “I had a decent slot and an early audience,” he said. He explained that the crowd initially listened with slight confusion. “I could not see everything, but I noticed a change in their behavior,” he recalled. By the end of his set, he felt a surge of Arab pride. “They realized I was an Arabic DJ, and many asked, ‘Are you really Saudi?’” Baloo answered proudly, “YES!” He continued, “It is definitely working and shifting perceptions.” He observed that other Arab audiences now view Saudi artists in a new light. “People are curious about our culture and want to learn more,” Baloo recalled. His story highlighted how every performance educates and dissolves archaic stereotypes. Baloo’s experience proved that art serves as a powerful bridge between diverse cultures.
The Mysterious Side of Saudi That’s Paving The Future
Baloo then described how this growing curiosity manifests throughout the region. “I see it happening at the events I play, where people ask, ‘What are you guys doing in Saudi? What’s going on? You’re creating so much ripple effect across the region—we feel it here, and we want to come.’ It’s definitely changing perception. Before this, people viewed Saudi as rigid, but it’s also because we Saudis are by nature mysterious.
This mystery is something Saudi creatives have long wrestled with—a balancing act between cultural tradition and the undeniable pull of modern expression. For years, music festivals and nightlife were seen as something enjoyed elsewhere, but not something that could exist openly at Saudi Arabia. The shift is not just about events—it’s about redefining identity, proving that self-expression and cultural pride are not mutually exclusive.
It seemed naughty, but it’s not that naughty
We don’t want to do this [music festivals and parties] publicly or let anyone know. It seemed naughty, but it’s not that naughty when we travel; we’re comfortable doing it in front of each other. Over here, it was an issue, but not anymore. We’re shaving off those barriers—slowly but surely,” Baloo concluded.
What was once considered taboo is now becoming a defining feature of Saudi’s cultural evolution. The shift isn’t just about nightlife—it’s about rewriting perceptions, both internally and externally. As the barriers continue to fade, Saudi’s creative scene is no longer in the shadows. Instead, it stands at the forefront of a movement that blends heritage with modern expression, showing the world that transformation isn’t just coming—it’s already here.
The Crowd’s Pulse: A Community United
The energy of the crowd was the soul of Balad Beast. I wandered among the revelers and witnessed strangers become instant friends. Every laugh, cheer, and spontaneous dance wove a tapestry of collective joy. The audience was not just watching; they were co-creating the experience. Their excitement breathed life into every set and elevated the performances. Each beat sparked shared moments of elation and unity. Ravers celebrated with an openness that dissolved all barriers. In that space, self-expression flourished and judgment faded away. The community’s energy was palpable, forging deep connections between artist and audience. Their vibrant response added a unique texture to the event, a reminder that music unites us all.
A Celebration of Diverse Talent: Homegrown and Global
Balad Beast 2025 showcased an eclectic mix of talent that spanned local stars and international icons. Homegrown acts like Disco Misr, Future Loop, and Lil Eazy ignited the stage with raw passion. Their performances were rooted with Saudi pride while embracing a modern sound. Global names such as Lost Frequencies, ARGY, CamelPhat, Maceo Plex, and Mau P brought fresh, boundary-pushing beats to the festival. A diverse lineup—even including Wiz Khalifa, Metro Boomin, and 21 Savage—created a dialogue between local and global. The blend of styles created a rich tapestry of sound that defied expectations. The stage became a meeting ground for cultures, where old rhythms met new ideas. The synergy between diverse talents celebrated creativity without borders. It was a bold statement that Saudi music is ready to converse with the world.
A Movement in the Making: The Lasting Impact
Balad Beast was more than a two-night festival. It marked cultural progression for Saudi music. MDLBEAST demonstrated that modernity enriches tradition without erasing it. The event provided a platform for emerging genres to thrive. True success, as Baloo explained, is measured by a lasting cultural shift rather than mere numbers. Every performance built toward a greater purpose. The creative energy and community spirit promise to shape the future. This movement hopes to inspire future generations to push artistic boundaries and redefine Saudi’s cultural narratives.
The Transformative Future of Saudi Music
Jeddah welcomes Balad Beast as their home. A city that runs on its own pace—a unique BPM where ancient memories sync with the promise of a roaring future. In this festival, every sound, laser beam, and shared smile wove a narrative that celebrated the seamless fusion of modern Saudi music with time-honored customs. The deliberate pause for prayer was striking. It deepened the night’s emotional resonance, underscoring that modernity does not erase tradition; rather, it enriches it.
MDLBEAST curated an experience in which the stages were molded by the people; the artist set the narrative, but the crowd ultimately completes the story. This organic interplay of performance and participation lays a robust foundation for the future of Saudi music. The event has ignited discussions that extend beyond its immediate setting, opening pathways for local talent to shine on international stages—from Berlin to Ibiza. With clarity, it echoes that every global breakthrough begins with a celebrated presence at home.
Peeking into the future, Balad Beast 2025 marks a cultural milestone—a beacon illustrating how visionary curation, deep-rooted traditions, and bold innovation can converge to a transformative movement. The creative spark ignited during those transformative nights promises to shine across borders and generations. As Saudi music continues to evolve, this festival heralds the nation’s next big export: its DJs and artists, who are poised to reshape the global cultural narrative for the Kingdom.
