Across the global music industry and within MDLBEAST, the phrase empowering women appears everywhere—from hashtags to headline panels. But often, the promise proves hollow. In the MENA region, where gender disparities remain stark, questions of inclusion are even more complex.
This year, the MDLBEAST Foundation, led by Nada Alhelabi, is confronting that tension head-on. Shedding light through this EDMNOMAD exclusive interview, MDLBEAST Foundation claims it is doing more than symbolically supporting women in music through a partnership with Berklee Abu Dhabi’s PEARL Program and its own Hunna mentorship network. It’s structurally investing in them.
The appointment of Lina Sleibi as the first artist to benefit from this partnership signals more than representation. It is MDLBEAST Foundation’s test case—one that, if successful, will challenge how institutions approach female leadership in the Arab world’s cultural industries.
For Nada Alhelabi, General Manager of the MDLBEAST Foundation and founder of XP Music Futures, the choice was obvious. “Lina’s journey and impact align perfectly with our mission to amplify exceptional regional talent,” she explained. “Especially through Hunna, which supports the next generation of female artists. Lina has performed across Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. She has sung in Arabic, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, and Aramaic. Notably, she was also the only Arab artist to perform at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
Emphasizing their choice, “She brings global experience and an academic background in business and marketing,” Alhelabi noted. “She’s an ideal ambassador for our vision of a globally recognized, inclusive Arab music scene.”
Inspiration to Infrastructure: How MDLBEAST Built Hunna for Women
Since its launch, Hunna by MDLBEAST has grown into a network of 120+ women across the Middle East and beyond. But Nada Alhelabi insists Hunna isn’t just a support group. “Hunna is a movement that creates structural change,” she said. “It offers access to mentorship, career opportunities, and a connected regional network.”
Each artist receives a four-month mentorship with leading women in music. Hunna also hosts masterclasses, listening circles, and collaborates with regional institutions. It has held in-person gatherings in Riyadh, Oman, Jeddah, and Tunisia, plus over ten virtual events across 16 countries. Hunna doesn’t only support artists—it connects producers, managers, and industry professionals, too.
“We’re not just boosting numbers,” Alhelabi emphasized. “We’re building a pipeline for women to lead, influence, and reshape the region’s music industry from within.” To ensure this isn’t viewed as another corporate social responsibility exercise, MDLBEAST tracks long-term metrics. “We measure long-term outcomes that reflect meaningful career development,” said Alhelabi. “Music releases, tours, performance bookings, label deals—those are tangible metrics we track.”
She also points to brand development. The Foundation watches how artists build visibility both online and offline. “We look at how they grow as independent professionals,” she said. “Mentors provide feedback. Artists reflect. This shows whether the experience has real impact.” A personalized approach is key. “We’re co-developing each artist’s path,” she added. “Every journey must align with their vision, not just our programming.”
Education Meets Purpose: How Berklee’s PEARL Program Adds Scale
The Berklee PEARL Program itself runs for 12 weeks. It focuses on branding, signature sound development, business strategy, and project production. It’s for artists to move from talent to toolkit—from inspiration to action.
For Alhelabi, this model represents the future. “Education alone isn’t enough,” she said. “Artists need mentorship that continues past the classroom and into their careers.” Lina’s transition from Berklee’s program into Hunna is a first-of-its-kind blueprint for what MDLBEAST hopes to scale across its platforms that support Arab women artists.
Still, critics raise valid questions. “I understand why people ask if this is just CSR,” Alhelabi clarifies. “But that’s not what this is.” She called the Berklee partnership a longstanding collaboration and emphasizes their shared vision. “We’re not just spotlighting artists—we’re equipping them,” she said. “With tools, networks, and practical development strategies.” This includes navigating industry branding without compromising identity. “We start with authenticity,” she said. “Artists should never mold themselves to fit industry standards. We help them tell their stories effectively, without compromising their identity.”
That includes refining audience strategies, visual language, and brand partnerships—all rooted in the artist’s existing values. “We want them industry-ready,” she said, “but on their own terms.”
Scaling Real Mentorship From One Program to Many
What started with Hunna and PEARL is now spreading. “We’re scaling this mentorship model across every initiative,” Nada Alhelabi shared. That includes XPERFORM for vocalists, Stormshaker for DJs, and Sound Futures, an incubator for creative entrepreneurs. Even niche programs like PWR CHORD (for guitarists) and the Artist Management Bootcamp are built around the same principles. Structured education. Tailored support. Real-world application. “Mentorship isn’t an afterthought anymore,” MDLBEAST Foundation’s General Manager echoed. “It’s our foundation.”
Moreover, this strategy was refined by listening to the community. “We’ve been listening since 2023,” Alhelabi said. Artists at events across the region asked for longer mentorship, regional relevance, and real access to decision-makers. “So we doubled down,” she explained. “We’re now offering deeper virtual programming and building bridges between our artists and global professionals.” That includes outreach to underserved communities and diaspora musicians in the UK, USA, and Italy.
Meanwhile, Lina’s own trajectory continues to evolve. She will be a featured artist at XP Music Futures, the region’s flagship conference for industry innovation. There, she’ll perform live during XP Nite and contribute to the daytime sessions of XP Day. “This isn’t a graduation—it’s a transition into leadership,” said Alhelabi. “Lina will have the platform, the tools, and the community to influence others.”
MDLBEAST, Women, and The Bigger Picture: Regional Identity, Global Momentum
While MDLBEAST Foundation scales its programs for women and artists, Nada Alhelabi remains grounded in one priority: culture. “Regional culture and local context must remain central,” she said. “That’s non-negotiable.” Events like Soundstorm, Balad Beast, 1001 Festival, and XP showcase local talent as headliners, not warm-up acts. “We’re not exporting culture,” she added. “We’re sharing it on our terms.” That includes crafting every initiative in consultation with regional experts, local musicians, and cultural stakeholders.
The Foundation’s General Manager is actively working to rewrite a long-held global assumption. “That the Middle East is just a passive consumer of music trends,” she said. “It’s false—and outdated.” She backed this up with data: MENA is now the fastest-growing music market globally, according to IFPI’s 2025 report. Revenue in 2024 jumped 22.8%, led by Saudi Arabia’s 36.84 million internet users and a 99% internet penetration rate.
Under her leadership and the women of the region, MDLBEAST has evolved from festival organizer to label, radio network, venue operator, and strategic cultural partner. “We’re not here for one headline,” said Alhelabi. “We’re here to build careers, amplify voices, and shift culture long-term.”
If all roads align, the Berklee partnership and the vision behind Hunna won’t be a one-time case study. If it holds, Hunna won’t be a case study—it’ll be the cultural blueprint proving that MDLBEAST builds with women, not around them.
