This December, the urban pulse of Dubai is set to skyrocket with the return of SOLE DXB, the ultimate celebration of youth and contemporary culture. From December 8-10, 2023, the iconic d3 district – Dubai’s creative epicenter – transforms into a sprawling canvas of street culture, music, and art offering live music, DJ sets, fashion showcases, exhibitions, film screenings and workshops.
This year, the event will again honour ‘Hip Hop 50’, celebrating the movement’s 50th anniversary, partnering with Mass Appeal – the New York-based media company backed by the legendary hip hop icon Nas. The partnership marks a pivotal moment for the festival and the entire Arab world’s hip-hop scene.
Nas, reminiscing on his headline appearance in 2018, spoke about the global journey of hip-hop and emphasised its transformative power. For his part, Rajat Malhotra, who is a partner at Sole alongside Joshua Cox and Hussain Moloobhoy, reflecting on hip-hop’s meteoric rise, said, “It’s a global movement that’s changed the course of our lives and how we see the world.”
Peter Bittenbender, CEO of Mass Appeal, echoes these sentiments and highlights the importance of being able to “tell this story authentically.”
Sole x Gulf Photo Plus present ‘Occupied Pleasures’, a photo exhibition by Tanya Habjouqa, opening at Sole DXB 2023.
This year Sole will also be hosting a series of workshops which will explore the world of upcycling while embracing a more eco-conscious approach to fashion in partnership with Istituto Marangoni.
Last year’s edition drew over 33,000 attendees from 85+ countries and featured 80+ performers and brands. The event has been graced by industry titans like Wu-Tang Clan and Stormzy, alongside emerging talents, affirming its status as a global cultural hub.
This year promises electrifying performances from hip-hop legends, including the likes of Busta Rhymes, Big Daddy Kane, Joey Bada$$, Tobe Nwigwe, and DJ Shadow.
More information and the full programme are available via SOLE DXB’s social media and newsletter at sole.digital.
All images via @soledxb
