In step with global music trends, Coachella ropes in Korean, Pakistani, Indian artistes

Pakistani Singer Ali Sethi performs during the first weekend of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, on April 16, 2023. (AFP)
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Updated 17 April 2023
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In step with global music trends, Coachella ropes in Korean, Pakistani, Indian artistes

  • The 2023 edition of the festival has more than half of artistes hailing from outside the US
  • India's Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistan's Ali Sethi drew large crowds to their high-energy sets

Indio, United States: The original 1999 Coachella lineup was decidedly oriented towards rock acts and full of white men, but today, the premier music festival's lineup is more diverse and international than ever. 

The 2023 edition of the massive desert festival is a showcase of global talent, with more than half of the performing artists hailing from outside the United States, including artists from Puerto Rico, South Korea, Belgium and Pakistan. 

The centering of genre-spanning music performed in a variety of languages highlights the US industry's evolving response to global tastes, as streaming and social media offer obvious metrics on what's popular, and profitable. 

Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican reggaeton master and world's biggest star, headlined the weekend's opening night with an adrenaline-pumping performance that paid homage to Caribbean music's influential lineage and had his fans screaming with delight. 

On Saturday night, the K-pop megastars BLACKPINK put on one of the weekend's buzziest shows -- and made history as the first Asian act to headline the festival -- with tens of thousands of revelers descending on the main stage for a bombastic set of pop bangers preceded by a mesmerizing, drone-powered light show and punctuated by pyrotechnics. 

For CedarBough Saeji, a professor of Korean and East Asian studies who specializes in K-pop, the festival lineup emphasizing the hottest acts from across the globe is long overdue. 

And when it comes to K-pop, "we've reached a point where the ongoing public demand for K-pop... is clear, even to people who may be watching the financial bottom line much more than they're watching trends," she said. 

"America's a very large music market, there's a lot of people there," Saeji continued. "It's a very, very important tastemaker -- but world cultural flows have shifted." 

"You don't have to be American to be the top group in the world." 

Major artists, including Spain's Rosalia, Iceland's Bjork and Nigeria's Burna Boy received top billings on the festival's main stage, while India's Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistan's Ali Sethi drew large crowds to their high-energy sets. 

"When I saw those brown faces in their best, sort of like, South Asian regalia with a twist, it gave me so much courage," Sethi told AFP following his set. 

For "those of us who are coming from other places, coming from other traditions, who are speaking languages -- musical languages, visual languages, and literally languages that haven't been heard here before -- that Coachella welcomes us and has us here, it's a new trip." 

Sethi was already wildly popular prior to his Coachella performance: his song "Pasoori" was Google's most searched song in 2022 and boasts more than half a billion views on YouTube. 

According to scholar Saeji, the internet has played a vital role in "leveling the playing field." 

"The internet is the reason why worldwide audiences have so much more awareness now of artists coming out of countries that aren't traditional hegemons," she said. 

"I predict that no matter how much the US music industry may try to continue to try to gatekeep, eventually, we're going to see a situation where we have charting music coming from multiple languages all the time." 

"And that's beautiful." 

Also on feature were France's Christine and the Queens, Argentina's Los Fabulosos Cadillacs and Belgium's Angele. 

And Palestinian-Chilean Elyanna broke ground as the first artist to perform a full set in Arabic at the festival. 

Turkish electronic artist Omer Mesci, who performs under the name Minus the Light, was born and raised in Turkey and told AFP after his set that it's particularly "inspiring" as a DJ to encounter an international slate of performers. 

"Music is music," he said. "That's what makes it beautiful. It's so colorful in terms of the music, in terms of the people." 

Rosalia -- the Spanish superstar who made her name as a flamenco revisionist before soaring to the top of pop with her blockbuster third album, "Motomami" -- was among the weekend's most hotly anticipated acts, with fans clamoring for her as she blasted through a set of her daring, kaleidoscopic songs blending styles. 

"Buenas noches, Coachella!" she shouted as cheers cascaded through the crowd. "You fill my heart with your presence. I come from Barcelona, that's why this stage is so special. It's because of you that I'm here." 


Jennifer Lopez set to light up Abu Dhabi on global tour stop

Updated 15 April 2025
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Jennifer Lopez set to light up Abu Dhabi on global tour stop

DUBAI: US superstar Jennifer Lopez is set to return to the UAE this summer with a performance at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on July 29. 

The concert is part of her “Up All Night Live” world tour and will mark her second tour performance in the Middle East, following a show in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on July 6.

Fans can look forward to chart-topping tracks such as “If You Had My Love,” “Jenny From The Block,” “Love Don’t Cost A Thing” and “On The Floor.”

This will not be her first performance in the UAE capital this year—Lopez previously took the stage in February as part of the Saadiyat Nights concert series.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential entertainers, Lopez has made her mark across music, film and television. She remains the only female artist to simultaneously top both the US box office and music charts, with over $3 billion in global box office earnings, more than 80 million records sold and billions of streams and views across her music catalogue.

In film, her recent Netflix releases “Atlas” and “The Mother” both debuted at number one on the platform, with “The Mother” now ranking among Netflix’s top 10 most-watched films of all time. 

In 2025, her latest film “Unstoppable” reached the number one spot globally on Amazon Prime Video.

Lopez’s UAE concert is organized by Ethara, a UAE-based events company. 

Ethara is also organizing Katy Perry’s concert in the UAE, which is  part of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in December.

The music star will headline the grand finale on Dec. 7 at Etihad Park.

In addition to her global tour, Lopez is set to headline the after-race concert at the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 in Jeddah this weekend, taking the stage on April 19.

She will join an impressive lineup of international and regional artists, including Usher, Major Lazer, Peggy Gou and PartyNextDoor, alongside Arab stars such as Marwan Pablo, Tul8te, Hisham Abbas, Mostafa Amar and Hamid El-Shaeri.


Georgina Rodriguez shows off Arabic tattoo

Updated 15 April 2025
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Georgina Rodriguez shows off Arabic tattoo

DUBAI: Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez gave fans a peek into her life in Saudi Arabia this week through a series of Instagram stories. One standout moment was a close-up photo highlighting her Arabic tattoo, which reads: “Keep all evil away from us, Amen.” 

She included the same phrase in Arabic as a caption. In the photo, she also showed off a large emerald-cut diamond ring, a glittering watch and a crocodile-skin handbag.

Later that afternoon, Rodriguez shared more family moments when she posted videos of stepson Cristiano Ronaldo Jr’s football training with Al-Nassr’s youth team. In one clip, captioned “The best team,” the group was seen singing and cheering.

Instagram/ @georginagio

Rodriguez also gave her followers a behind-the-scenes look at her personal routine in Riyadh, sharing a short video of herself practicing salsa dancing. “Third salsa class in Riyadh,” she wrote in Spanish.

The posts are part of her continued documentation of life in Saudi Arabia, where she lives with her partner, football star Cristiano Ronaldo, and their children.

The couple recently appeared together in a new campaign for Saudi Arabia’s luxury cruise line, Aroya Cruises. 

In the video, the pair exchange a lighthearted moment in Arabic. Rodriguez says “yalla” — meaning “let’s go” — after selecting the cruise on her phone, and Ronaldo replies cheerfully “yalla.”

The scene then changes into scenes of the couple exploring the cruise experience, with panoramic sea views, luxurious interiors and their private accommodation.

Both Ronaldo and Rodriguez shared the campaign on their social media profiles with the caption: “Home isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling.”

In addition to her lifestyle content and brand campaigns, Rodriguez has also taken part in humanitarian efforts in Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, she visited the King Fahd National Centre for Children’s Cancer to support young patients.

She was joined by Monica Esteban, president of Spanish charity, the Juegaterapia Foundation, as they distributed Baby Pelones dolls featuring a scarf designed by Rodriguez. During her visit, the model hugged and spoke with the children and joined in their play with the dolls.


Saudi-supported film ‘Dandelion’s Odyssey’ heads to Cannes Critics’ Week

Updated 15 April 2025
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Saudi-supported film ‘Dandelion’s Odyssey’ heads to Cannes Critics’ Week

DUBAI: Cannes Critics’ Week has announced the lineup for its 2025 edition, which includes the Red Sea Film Foundation-supported film “Dandelion’s Odyssey” from Momoko Seto.

The film — which will close the week — will be the first animated feature to screen in the section since Jeremy Clapin’s Grand Prize winner “I Lost My Body” in 2019.

Shot from Japan to Iceland, “Dandelion’s Odyssey” is an adventure set in a dystopian world, with plants and animals as the main characters. The feature features a mix of timelapse photography, as well as live-action shooting and 3D animation.

More than 1,000 films were submitted for Cannes Critics’ Week 2025, which runs from May 14 to 22.


Women-led ‘Unbound Territories’ is Dubai art consultancy’s first exhibition

Updated 15 April 2025
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Women-led ‘Unbound Territories’ is Dubai art consultancy’s first exhibition

DUBAI: Dubai’s contemporary art scene welcomes a new voice this April with the launch of A+ Art Consultancy’s inaugural exhibition, “Unbound Territories,” which will run until April 30 at Foundry Downtown.

Spearheaded by Azra Aban, the show is a collaboration with London’s Gillian Jason Gallery and brings together a powerhouse roster of female artists — from icons like Louise Bourgeois and Bridget Riley to emerging talents Megan Baker and Pippa El-Kadhi Brown.

Spearheaded by Azra Aban, the show is a collaboration with London’s Gillian Jason Gallery and brings together a powerhouse roster of female artists. (Supplied)

The partnership with Gillian Jason Gallery has deep roots, Aban explains.

“Our relationship with Gillian Jason Gallery goes back to my time in London, where I had the opportunity to work closely with their team and witness their thoughtful approach to bringing together artists in meaningful ways,” she told Arab News.

Pieces span sculpture, printmaking, painted photography, oil painting and works on paper. (Supplied)

“When I set out to launch A+ Art Consultancy with an exhibition that would introduce a compelling mix of emerging and established international artists to Dubai, it coincided with Gillian Jason Gallery’s own interest in expanding their community in the region — particularly around their mission to champion the best female artists working today.”

The shared mission to champion female artists meant the collaboration was a natural fit.

The exhibition’s title — “Unbound Territories” — reflects the curatorial intent behind the show.

“It captures the essence of what this particular collection of artists and artworks represents,” said Aban. “The exhibition brings together a diverse group of female artists … unfolding as a compelling dialogue that transcends time, geography, and artistic medium.”

Sadie Clayton’s ‘Into You II,’ 2025. (Supplied)

Pieces span sculpture, printmaking, painted photography, oil painting and works on paper — mediums that, in Aban’s words, “reveal the radical potential of material and form.”

The exhibition also marks the UAE debut of several artists, offering what she describes as “an important and meaningful milestone” for the regional art scene, and reflects shifting dynamics in the Middle East.

“Women across the world are increasingly stepping into the positions they have long deserved,” said Aban. “‘Unbound Territories’ stands as a testament to the powerful contributions of female artists … and to the profound impact they have had on the global creative landscape.”

She sees the UAE as uniquely positioned to amplify these voices. “The UAE’s art ecosystem is not just growing, it’s carving out a distinctive identity that merges regional heritage with a global perspective,” she said

That vision also defines the consultancy’s future direction.

“You can expect more collaborations that highlight underrepresented narratives, spark dialogue between cultures, and offer collectors access to unique and powerful work that endures,” promised Aban.


Effat Film Festival celebrates emerging Saudi filmmakers

Updated 14 April 2025
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Effat Film Festival celebrates emerging Saudi filmmakers

  • More than 2,200 film submissions from 90 countries
  • Dr. Mohamed Ghazala: It’s not about the money; it’s about uplifting filmmakers and nurturing a vibrant community

JEDDAH: The 12th edition of a student film festival celebrating the creativity of up-and-coming Saudi filmmakers is taking place at Effat University in Jeddah.

The Effat International Student Film Festival, which ends on April 15, has attracted more than 2,200 film submissions from 90 countries, as well as entries from 10 Saudi universities.

The competition shortlisted a total of 89 films from 28 countries, with cash prizes totaling more than SR50,000 ($13,333) available to the winners.

This year’s festival, held under the theme “From Dream to Film,” recognizes notable figures in the film industry, including Saudi director Abdullah Al-Muheisen, Saudi actor Hassan Assiri, Saudi director Khalid Al-Harbi, British director Joanna Quinn, and Prof. Ghada Gabara, president of the Egyptian Academy of Arts.

Other honorees hail from Japan, the US, and China.

Dr. Mohamed Ghazala, head of the School of Cinematic Arts and festival director, told of his passion for the event by emphasizing the importance of community and creative storytelling.

He said: “Running a film festival is just like making a film. We’re fueled by passion and the incredible support of our volunteers, contributors, and arts funding.

“It’s not about the money; it’s about uplifting filmmakers and nurturing a vibrant community. While organizing a festival can be challenging, it’s an exciting journey filled with hard work and joy.

“You don’t need a massive budget, endless time, or extensive business expertise to start a small film festival, the audience will find you. What matters most is a genuine love for film, the courage to take risks, and the drive to share meaningful stories.”

Jala Jalal, the leader of the student club at the School of Cinematic Arts, reflected on the significance of the festival for students.

Jalal said: “The showreel is more than just a collection of films, it’s a celebration of our creativity and growth as filmmakers. It’s a reflection of our voices and visions.

“What I love most about this festival is the opportunity it gives us to connect with the film industry, both locally and internationally. Working on the showreel and seeing the final outcome fills us with pride, not just in ourselves, but also in being part of a university that provides us the platform to bring our visions to life.”

The festival’s jury members come from a diverse international background. Friedrich Kluetsch, president of the documentary film jury, told Arab News: “The Saudi submissions were marked by a palpable joy in discovering the filmmakers’ surroundings and their close connection to the protagonists.

“It was evident in the films’ self-reflection, with three of them exploring filmmaking itself, portraying established filmmakers and an abandoned cinema.

“We noticed slight differences between the Saudi and international entries, particularly in the use of commentary or a narrator’s voice, which was more common in the international films and helped express the filmmakers' perspectives.”

Dr. Haifa Jamal Al-Lail, president of Effat University, highlighted the festival’s broader mission to provide a unique platform for Saudi and international film students to showcase their work.

She said: “This festival plays a pivotal role in creating connections between young filmmakers worldwide. It aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, fostering the country’s cultural movement and global presence in the arts.”

Dr. Asmaa Ibrahim, dean of the College of Architecture and Design at Effat University, underscored the growing international recognition of the festival, saying: “The increasing number of applications each year is testament to the festival’s growing status.

“It’s now the largest festival of its kind in the Arab world in terms of both the quality of films and the specialized focus on student filmmakers.”

Alongside film screenings, the festival features a range of seminars and workshops conducted by industry leaders, including representatives from Netflix, Sony, MBC Academy, and Toon Boom Animation.

Notable academic figures, such as professors from the University of Southern California, and the Communication University of China, were also scheduled to contribute lectures and workshops on topics like cinematography, directing, sound production, and film distribution.

An open discussion hosted by media personality Suha Al-Waal with actor and producer Hassan Assiri at Hayy Jameel also took place at the event.

Assiri, who was to be honored for his significant contributions to Saudi drama and production, shared insights into the evolving Saudi film industry, highlighting the growing opportunities for local talent and the increasing global recognition of Saudi productions.