RIYADH: Dutch DJ Afrojack proved the master of the stage as he closed the Formula E concert festivities in Diriyah, winning over the crowd with his unique blend of electro-house and electronic dance music after entertainment from the Backstreet Boys.
It was not the first time the international superstar had taken the stage in Riyadh. Last month he performed at the region’s largest music festival Soundstorm, and he has become a staple at many Saudi music events, including Azimuth and Gamers8.
So what keeps him coming back? “Definitely the kabsa and the farwas,” he joked.
But it is in fact MDLBeast and amplified music that acts as a magnet for him.
He told Arab News: “It’s like you’re a part of a cultural shift. It’s like a musical revolution, so the most special thing here is every time there’s a party, every time there’s an event, everyone’s so happy to be there and so happy and proud to celebrate it.”
While festivals and concerts have been part of culture in different parts of the world for decades, Saudi Arabia has only recently opened up its doors to change. As the country continues to undergo its transformation, welcoming international acts has become an integral part of the shift.
Afrojack’s performance was received well by a cheering crowd as they waved their arms and danced the night away.
As the music soared, the stadium was transformed into a pulsing mass of energy.
The diverse crowd, consisting of locals and visitors alike, danced together as one, showcasing the power of music in bringing people together.
The DJ said: “That’s why I got into music in the first place: because I want to celebrate life.”
The artist’s transition between genres and tracks, whether old or new, has made him popular among Saudis. His Saturday mix spanned ’80s hits like “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by the Eurythmics and staples like “Give Me Everything Tonight” and “Time of My Life,” to rave essentials like “Love Tonight” and “Let’s Get Down to Business.”
But the DJ’s music also transcends cultural boundaries. While Western music is fairly popular among Saudi residents, the crowd gets most excited hearing the remixes of familiar Arabic songs, such as Ahmed Saad’s “El Youm El Helw Dah” and “Wasa3 Wasa3.”
Afrojack collaborated onstage with Egyptian singer Mohamed Ramadan at the 2022 edition of Soundstorm.
He said: “I have to make a record with one of these guys. They loved the (Arabic) music.
“It’s amazing because you have the same in a lot of Western cultures where people back at home just listen to local music and here’s the same thing, but it’s with Arabic music and it’s all new to me, so it’s very cool.”
