DUBAI – What better way to start the New Year than with a free show? With three of the GCC’s top artists set to perform on 1 January, 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai will ensure visitors dance their way into 2022.
Emirati soul musician Arqam will help concertgoers to celebrate the first day of 2022 with a soulful set full of hope and meaning. With his music tackling the things that he believes in – love, life and purpose – the audience can expect a reflective performance that will inspire their goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. Arqam said: “I feel like purpose drives me to make music. Purpose is what drives me in trying to do something that I believe in.”
The musician, who plays the keyboard and the guitar, likes to merge a mix of modern and old school music and is a fan of Motown, Boyz II Men and Neo-soul. His song, Together Let Go, a collaboration with Sisters Grimm, delivers a powerful message about the global community – a message that he will bring to the global audience at Jubilee Park.
Saudi singer Hamza Hawsawi has forged a musical path for himself by blending R&B music with Saudi culture. The artist first found fame on The X Factor Arabia in 2013 and has since become a role model for other up and coming singers from the Gulf region. Hawawi, who grew up listening to Prince, Marvin Gaye and R&B music from the 80s, has previously opened for Justin Bieber. But while western music has impacted his style, he believes it is important to stay true to his Saudi roots and to express himself as a Saudi man through his songwriting.
Having spent more than 20 years in the music industry Emirati singer and oud player Jassim Mohammed specialises in opera music. Holding a bachelor’s degree from the Higher Institute of Musical Arts in Kuwait, and a master’s degree in Arabic singing from the College of Art and Design from the University of Jordan, the proficient artist has also appeared in various theatrical and television shows. Mohammed, who has performed his patriotic works at a host of UAE cultural festivals, as well as on the occasion of the UAE’s 49th National Day in 2020, is looking forward to introducing his style of music to the rest of the world at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Arqam, Hamza Hawsawi and Jassim Mohammed will perform at Jubilee Park on 1 January, 2022 from 2130 GST. Entry is free to all Expo 2020 Dubai ticket holders but concertgoers are advised to arrive early.