This is iamCrü’s inaugural UAE Music Power List – our celebration of the creative talent and business minds who’ve positively impacted the country and the region’s music industry in 2021.
This is not a ‘Best of’ list. Our UAE Music Power List 2021 is our pick of the unsung industry heroes who’ve worked tirelessly – often behind the scenes – to propel the local music scene forward. Whether leading organisations with big budgets or working independently on a shoestring, the amazing individuals on our list have one thing in common – a desire to help the UAE’s music industry evolve.
Great work deserves recognition. So, in alphabetical order, here is our UAE Music Power List 2021…
ALBERT M. CARTER
Position: Founder of AudioSwim and co-founder of Emirates Music Summit
About: Raised in Philadelphia, UAE resident Albert M. Carter channels his boundless energy into helping the country’s music industry grow. Aiming to help independent artists, his AudioSwim digital music distribution platform provides streaming solutions. It also allows artists and fans to buy music royalties globally. Through AudioSwim and Emirates Music Summit, Carter works tirelessly to support artists, DJs, producers, agents and record labels across the UAE.
Biggest professional challenge of 2021: “Navigating the impact of Covid-19 on artist travelling restrictions, PCR testing and more. However, a positive takeaway is that it taught me technology was the way to go by creating online and offline events simultaneously. The UAE is doing a great job in trying to protect the community, however it’s been a challenge to onboard people due to some of the restrictions.
“Another issue I’ve encountered is the lack of education about the music industry. Most artists think that the music scene here is similar to how it is in more developed music ecosystems, but the industry here is just really getting started – although it is growing at a rapid rate. The examples that people reference don’t necessarily translate to what can be done here, especially with English-speaking artists, as the region focuses on more Arabic content given that’s the main language.”
Biggest professional achievement of 2021: “Speaking on the main stage about NFTs at the World Conference on Creative Economy 2021 and helping to put AudioSwim and Emirates Music Summit in the spotlight on a world stage at Expo2020. From that, I’ve developed some great strategic alliances that have the potential to take off globally.”
Biggest lesson learned in 2021: “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. I say that after I found myself needing to update details on a few projects that all came at a rush towards the end of 2021. I thought we would close out the year quietly but instead we went out with a bang. We could have saved a lot of time if things were already planned out.”
Professional goals for 2022: “To make AudioSwim the number one place for people to buy, sell or trade music NFTs globally, and for Emirates Music Summit to secure a few Government contracts that will help us attract, develop and retain musical talent. I want to improve music industry practices locally, regionally and internationally.”
Who or what will make an impact on the UAE’s music scene in 2022?
“Freek (hip-hop), MKO (Afrobeat) and a little-known artist called Rai Han will be the breakout stars from the UAE’s music scene. They all have an international sound and the ability to cross genres, which puts them in a unique position. From a business point of view, I think AudioSwim’s partnership with Blockpool, who developed AudioCoin, will completely change the game.”
ASSAAD LAKKIS (AKA BULL FUNK ZOO)
Position: Founder of Bull Funk brand
About: As Bull Funk Zoo, Dubai native Assaad Lakkis is a familiar and respected name on the UAE music scene. With seven albums and five Independent Music Award nominations under his belt, Lakkis was awarded a Golden Visa by Dubai Culture Arts Authority earlier this year in recognition of his work as an artist/music producer. And yet we know there’s much more to come after Lakkis spent 2021 developing Bull Funk into a fully-fledged brand, expanding further into events and more.
Biggest professional challenge of 2021: “I wouldn’t say any one project was more challenging than another. I love challenges; that’s what keeps me going.”
Biggest professional achievement of 2021: “Under my artist name Bull Funk Zoo, I’ve been writing, recording and producing a lot of new material for release in 2022. I registered Bull Funk Studios as a company, which helps me produce records and events. As a producer via Bull Funk Studios, I’ve mixed and produce a few artists’ works regionally and internationally.
“On the events side of things, I produced the show for the Dubai Grand Prix Revival, at Dubai Autodrome, in December. Through Bull Funk Jamz – my regular music improv jamming sessions – we’re helping Dubai’s artist community to grow, as musicians explore their creative mediums on stage and become better artists within their own craft. Through our growing community and audience, musicians have landed gigs from simply getting to know each other.”
Biggest lesson learned in 2021: “Every day is a lesson. If you don’t learn something new frequently, you are setting yourself up for being taught a lesson.”
Professional goals for 2022: “To release my new material the right way into the world; produce, mix and master a lot of records to a very high standard for other artists; build a bigger recording studio space; perform and showcase my new material; and I’m also working on Bull Funk Festival. I’m not sure if Bull Funk Festival will come to fruition in 2022 but I’m pushing for it!”
Who or what will make an impact on the UAE’s music scene in 2022?
“We need to enhance, support and develop all the incredible talent we have here and create a proper music ecosystem. Music is very important in any culture and has to be cultivated for the long-term. We need to export the talent and present them abroad representing Dubai.”
BACHIR SALLOUM
Position: DJ, producer, promoter and founder of SAWT Music Academy
About: Dubai-based Bashir Salloum chalked up several key milestones as a producer during 2021. Continuing his prolific run of releases, Salloum’s Limitless EP and Everything is Now EP both topped Beatport’s Top 100 Organic House/Downtempo Chart. He achieved a career goal by signing his Foggy Morning EP to Australia’s revered Balance label and relaunched his Escape party series. But Salloum cements his place on our UAE Music Power List after launching his SAWT Music Academy.
Aimed at nurturing local talent, the music production and DJ academy offers online courses in English and Arabic. “SAWT Music Academy aims to help the region’s local talent and to constantly push for music growth,” said Salloum. “Looking back at my musical journey, I wish I had a school within my reach to help my growth and teach me all the skills I needed to be better.”
Within months of its launch, SAWT struck a deal with online streaming service Anghami. “Having the support of Anghami is a big milestone to where our vision for the school is headed,” added Salloum.
BIG HASS
Position: MC, radio host, blogger and Arab hip-hop ambassador
About: Big Hass is a big presence in the UAE and the region’s hip-hop scene. The founder of Saudi’s first and only FM hip-hop radio show, Hass – real name Hassane Dennaoui – never misses an opportunity to help local and regional hip-hop artists excel. The self-confessed music activist currently hosts a show on Sharjah’s first English radio station, Pulse 95FM.
Dubai resident Hass stepped up his commitment to Arab hip-hop throughout 2021 with a series of great record releases. Stepping into the role of Executive Producer, the Dubai resident instigated pan-Arab collaborations between some of the scene’s most exciting artists. For example, in August he brought Narcy and Freek together on Ashat Eedak. In November he unleashed Big Hass Presents… Arab Femcee Cypher. Hass has hinted that his Re-Volt Magazine is making a comeback.
DAVID CRAIG & JON BESANT
Position: Co-owners Mais Musica
About: David Craig and Jon Besant steered their music agency Mais Musica through Covid’s choppy waters with relentless determination. Their knack for seizing and creating new opportunities has helped their talent booking and event management agency to flourish in trying times.
Biggest professional challenge of 2021: “Keeping all our artists, DJs and musicians happy, afloat and mentally strong when there was no light at the end of the tunnel for any of us.”
Biggest professional achievement of 2021: “The RAK Weekenders [at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort]. To sell out 12 weekends at a venue 90 minutes’ drive from Dubai, with nothing but Soundcloud as the entertainment, was one of our greatest ever feats. Our seven Fan Zones during the Euros and our weekly BabyQ brunch were just as important to the growth of Mais Musica.”
Biggest lesson learned in 2021: “We are all suffering through these Covid times together and should be patient, kind and supportive to everyone around us, no matter what sector or background. The travel restrictions brought so many of us closer together this year. It was like Dubai of old where there was a close community spirit again.”
Professional goals for 2022: “We are in an amazing place right now. Our relationship with giants such as Solutions Leisure and The First Group is allowing us to focus on bigger projects. We will also be back in RAK and have a couple of huge projects to announce soon.”
Who or what will make an impact on the UAE’s music scene in 2022?
“Any company that survived the last two years will make an impact, no matter how big or small. Obviously there is White and Soho, but the organisations that seem to be growing at an unrivalled pace are Solutions Leisure and The Wright Group (Secret Parties). These guys don’t have an off switch.”
EDDY MAROUN & ELI HABIB
Position: Co-founders Anghami
About: With its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, music streaming platform Anghami will soon make history by becoming the first Arab tech company to list on US stock exchange Nasdaq. With Eli Habib and Eddy Maroun at the helm, Anghami forecasts annualized revenue growth of 70% from 2021 to 2025.
The Anghami music app and platform offers listeners unlimited Arabic and international music to stream and download. Today, Anghami offers more than 57 million songs to 70 million registered users. It clocks up around one billion streams per month. The company’s AI and machine learning algorithms process over 56 million data points from its user base every day.
“We’re proud of the product and technology we’ve been able to build,” said Habib. “Now we will have the ability to invest more in R&D and innovate, providing a product that goes beyond music to immersive experiences around media and entertainment while remaining relevant to our users and focused on our local edge.”
Furthermore, Anghami is teaming up with Addmind to launch Anghami Lab. Opening in 2022, the Dubai venue will combine both online and offline worlds, bridging digital and traditional entertainment. Anghami Lab will house a lounge, stage and studio where artists can experiment and co-create music.
HASSAN ALWAN
Position: Boogie Box promoter and co-founder Selecta
About: Abu Dhabi resident Hassan Alwan and his business partner Daniel Bell hatched a Covid baby this year – new DJ tech store Selecta. The bricks and mortar store in Al Quoz, Dubai, offers a professional playground for DJs. It allows DJs to experience how the kit performs on real nightclub and festival soundsystems rigged up in-store.
“The community element is so important to us,” said Alwan. “I’ve been working at clubs, playing gigs, throwing parties and running a label for over 20 years. I’ve always felt that a venue for the community, outside of clubs and festivals, has been missing. Selecta is a space for the DJ, producer and music community to get together, learn from each other, jam, test out material and hang.”
Alwan’s Boogie Box party also chalked up its 10th anniversary in November with a special birthday bash at Abu Dhabi’s Manarat Al Saadiyat venue.
HUSSAIN MOLOOBHOY, JOSHUA COX, KRIS BALERITE, NICK BAKER & RAJAT MALHOTRA
Position: Founders of Sole DXB
About: Yes, yes, we’re fully aware that Sole DXB at Dubai Design District didn’t take place again in 2021 – the annual music, footwear, art and lifestyle festival falling foul of Covid for the second year running. But the Sole DXB team still busted their proverbials to spread hip-hop culture throughout the UAE and beyond.
The lads brought ‘Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop’ to Abu Dhabi – the first time the photography exhibition was shown outside of the USA. They backed it up with exclusive outdoor film screenings, a cypher culture workshop and talk on the future of rap in the UAE.
The Sole team scored another first by bringing yasiin bey’s audio and visual installation ‘Negus’ to Dubai – the installation’s debut in the Middle East.
Through their gorgeous digital platform, Sole DXB continues to champion a diverse range of artists and cultural shapeshifters. And this year’s 10th anniversary edition of Sole Magazine – available from the UAE to the USA – is its own work of art.
JOHN LICKRISH
Position: CEO and founder of Flash Entertainment
About: Flash Entertainment chief John Lickrish is the man behind one of the longest running music events in the UAE. He’s responsible for bringing the hottest names in music to the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concerts. Lickrish has secured the biggest stars across rock, pop, urban and EDM for the Yasalam gigs at Etihad Arena since 2009. After Covid-19 put the brakes on the concert series in 2020, Lickrish made sure the gigs came roaring back this year by booking Stormyz, Khalid, Lewis Capaldi and the mighty Foo Fighters. When the Foo Fighters cancelled at the 11th hour citing “medical reasons”, Lickrish and his Flash team swung into action, securing Martin Garrix and DJ Snake to fill the void within hours.
Lickrish is also eyeing up expansion opportunities in Saudi Arabia and plans to recruit Saudi nationals to help Flash reach its “lofty ambitions” within the kingdom.
LYNZI CLAIRE
Position: Event Director at MDLBEAST
About: Lynzi Claire has been ‘amplifying music futures’ in 2021. With an impressive career in event production in the UAE under her belt, Lynzi played a pivotal role in this year’s MDLBEAST activities in Saudi Arabia. The Dubai resident was appointed Event Director for MDLBEAST’s inaugural XP Music Conference, the first music conference of its kind in the region.
The pre-event to MDLBEAST’s Soundstorm music festival, the three-day XP Conference – and its after-dark warehouse parties – brought together the Middle East’s most forward-thinking industry players to identify opportunities to accelerate the regional music scene. Lynzi was tasked with bringing the event to life.
Biggest professional challenge of 2021: “Coming out of a Covid coma and being chosen to work for MDLBEAST as Event Director on the inaugural XP Music Conference.
“MDLBEAST is a company filled with people who are passionate about music, with deep-rooted pride and aspirations to showcase their scene and their country. My challenge was to deliver an event that did all of those things, while also navigating people’s preconceptions of Saudi Arabia, and also the Covid situation the world was facing with the then potential new variant. The pressure was on from the start to deliver an XP Conference to make my colleagues proud.”
Biggest professional achievement of 2021: “The success of XP Music Conference – despite a few bumps in the road. My success was felt in the love, the pride and the gratitude from everybody who attended, whether speakers, artists, attendees, party-goers or music promoters. Anyone and everyone who was there just showed extreme warmth and gratitude for what they felt I had done – and I’d only played a very, very small part in turning their dream into a physical event. It was very humbling.”
Biggest lesson learned in 2021: “Dealing so closely with the creatives, the dreamers, whose mission is to create and build this scene, this environment for young Saudis and the world to witness, I learned to set aside – where possible – my practical event production responses and listen more to their input.
“Their input is super important but it also gets to a point where you have to put that pen down and start development of the event. Quite often in events we’ll say, ‘Oh, we’ll do that next year’, but it never happens. I learned that every piece of input – whether from the junior or the CEO – is equally valid, relevant and important, and should be treated as such, whether that’s for immediate delivery or delivery in the future.”
Professional goals for 2022: “This was my first year in an official position as Event Director. It’s been my goal for the last five years to achieve that, but I still have a lot of work to do to be the best leader I can be in that role. I want to excel in that role and get better every year. I really want to help push and drive the music scene in Saudi Arabia and be part of this revolution.”
Who or what will make an impact on the UAE’s music scene in 2022?
“The UAE’s music scene has been developed and westernised predominantly as a result of expats coming into the country; it’s a patchwork of popular culture and commercial sounds. I feel the UAE will gain from the impact of the developing scenes around it, like Saudi and Egypt, rising from the underground with a naturally forged community.”
MEGATRONIC
Position: DJ, producer, singer-songwriter and founder of Femme Fest
About: The UAE music industry needs more ladies like Megatronic – aka Dubai-based Megane Quashie. The DJ, producer and singer-songwriter dropped several new tunes in 2021 and celebrated the first anniversary of her Global Music Movement show on Worldwide FM recently. Quashie showcases artists from MENA region through her show.
Importantly, Megatronic strives to bring more woman to “consistently male-dominated line-ups” and champions aspiring femxle artists and unsung heroines of the scene. Her Femme Fest event is the first all femxle festival in the MENA region to “celebrate femxle power via music, visual art and conversation”.
MIKE FAIRBURN
Position: General Manager Sony Music Entertainment Middle East
About: Mike Fairburn makes it onto our UAE Music Power List 2021 after launching Vibe Music Arabia recently. The new label – a partnership with Anghami – is aimed at “invigorating the independent artist communities in the region”. Fairburn announced the new label while discussing “the rapid evolution” of the MENA music industry at the XP Conference in Riyadh. Vibe Music Arabia intends to bring global success to the next generation of Arabic artists.
NINA OLATOKE
Position: Co-founder of All Africa Festival
About: Nina Olatoke makes it onto our UAE Music Power List for spearheading the expansion of Dubai’s All Africa festival. This year’s three-day event showcased the spirit of Africa through music, culture and cuisine at Burj Park. Olatoke described this year’s edition as “a significant turning point for us as an organisation, as we bring to life the electric, vibrant energy for which Africa is known”.
The music programme boasted a combination of international acts – Egyptian rapper Mohamed Ramadan, M People icon Heather Small and rising dancehall star Shenseea – along with hot-right-now local artists Freek, MKO and more.
PAUL JOSEF (AKA AH.AM)
Position: DJ and producer
About: While still an emerging artist, Paul Josef earns a spot on our inaugural UAE Music Power List for delivering the surprise of the year. Our ears snapped to attention when we first heard Josef’s stunning new album as AH.AM. A departure from his usual tech-house and techno style, his eponymous debut album marks a breathtaking evolution of his sound. AH.AM shifts as imperceptibly yet undeniably as the sand on a dune and is just as widescreen and beautiful. With it, Josef becomes the first home-grown avant-garde electronic artist to come out of Dubai. Baring reflections of Jon Hopkins and Nils Frahm yet completely individual, the album attracted international press attention for Josef.
PAV4N
Position: Artist and founder of 4NC¥ record label
About: Dubai-based rapper PAV4N is the full package. The super talented MC – a founding member of the now disbanded hip-hop crew Foreign Beggars – marries his poetic genius with explosive hip-hop beats. It’s a successful formula that’s propelled his solo career throughout 2021.
PAV4N’s record label 4NC¥ – pronounced Foreign Currency – celebrated its first anniversary in August and is already 100 releases deep. The imprint’s catalogue is a case study in musical versatility, from the smooth, almost liquified drum & bass stylings of D-Code & Psylence through to more classic dubstep sounds of the legendary Sukh Knight and the experimental, futuristic r&b flavours of Killswsh.
While 4NC¥ welcomes artists from around the world, PAV4N is actively homing in on talent from South Asia and other territories, including the UAE. He claims “incredible music” created by artists from India, the UAE and “other countries that aren’t at the epicentre of specific music movements” is not receiving the recognition it deserves. Through 4NC¥, PAV4N is using his industry connections to push these projects out into the world. “I’m just happy to be in a position to open doors for an entirely new generation of talent.”
ROHAN NUNES (AKA MAN GO FUNK)
Position: DJ and producer
About: Long-time Dubai resident Rohan Nunes is something of a secret weapon. The unassuming Barasti resident appears in our UAE Music Power List after amassing a huge share share of public votes. In short, punters love Rohan’s DJ sets.
Nunes is a prolific producer too. Releasing music as Man Go Funk, he’s winning an increasing number of fans with releases that veer from lovely deep house to more minimal techy sounds. Nunes also flirts with nu disco when he’s in the mood. Man Go Funk releases appeared on numerous labels this year including Dobar House, Dobar House Gruv and Blacksoul Music.
Biggest professional challenge of 2021: “Getting back to DJing full-time after a disastrous two years. The pandemic made life so unpredictable for everyone, especially freelance artists in the entertainment industry.”
Biggest professional achievement of 2021: “Scoring two Traxsource Top 10s with Lisa Can Dance and Ghetto Feeling; signing music to some of my favourite labels and bagging some cool collaborations with other producers and musicians.”
Biggest lesson learned in 2021: “Take each day as it comes. Stay healthy with a positive attitude. Work hard, be grateful and only make music you like.”
Professional goals for 2022: “To keep making music and keep improving my music production by learning more technical studio techniques.”
Who or what will make an impact on the UAE’s music scene in 2022?
“Local DJs and musicians are finally gaining more international recognition so I predict we’ll see a rising star shine globally or a massive hit song to emerge from the region. Once Covid restrictions are finally fully lifted in nightclubs, the clubbing scene in the UAE will massively boom.”
SHADI MEGALLAA
Position: Owner of The Flip Side record store
About: Shadi Megallaa’s record store The Flip Side is so much more than that. The DJ, producer and Ark to Ashes label chief’s vinyl emporium in Al Quoz, Dubai, is a welcoming community space for music freaks. With Shadi at the helm, The Flip Side was named one of the best record stores in the world this year.
Biggest professional challenge of 2021: “Keeping The Flip Side running and overcoming all the uncertainties was a massive challenge. The most important part of running a business is planning. With the lockdown and subsequent effects of Covid, there was no way to plan ahead as I had no idea what would happen in the world from one day to the next.
“The second massive challenge: we weren’t able to import any records for six months due to some licensing issues. Six months is a very long time for a record shop to not have new records coming in. Luckily, I had made a massive order right before the issue came up so I was able to survive on that. It was also during the lockdown so we were only selling records online at that point. Somehow the shop was able to pull through but that was another obstacle I couldn’t have prepared for.”
Biggest professional achievement of 2021: “After weathering the Covid storm, The Flip Side is doing better than it’s ever done in the past four years. Lots of personal sacrifices had to be made but I did it for the music community and friends who rely on me and The Flip Side for their fix of music. It’s a responsibility I take seriously and seeing the joy it brings people is what keeps me going and coming to work every day.
“At a time when all the clubs were closed, The Flip Side was one of the only places in town where you could hear both local and visiting international DJs play on a weekly basis. Being able to give the music community a place to socialize and catch up outside of a club environment has been vital in building the community. Seeing people come together and having a good time brings me great pleasure. There are lots of things we took for granted pre-Covid but now we’re trying to soak up every moment.”
Biggest lesson learned in 2021: “To learn as many different new skills as possible. With a small team you really have to get so much done and over time you get better at multi-tasking. If I need something done and I don’t have the necessary skills, I just dedicate some time to learning those skills. It’s never too late to learn new skills. It’s harder to get started as you get older, but once you get over the hump things get easier from there. Never stop learning.”
Professional goals for 2022: “I’m looking forward to releasing another record or two on my Ark To Ashes label, as well making The Flip Side one of the best record shops in the world. We were named one of the world’s best record shops by Condé Nast Traveller in 2021. As amazing as that is, I always feel we can make the store better.”
Who or what will make an impact on the UAE’s music scene in 2022?
“The people who are willing to take risks; the ones who are hungry. A dream is nothing without action. Those willing to go the extra mile when everyone else has given up are the people who impact the world.”
SPEK
Position: Founder and president of PopArabia
About: Ten years after setting up full service music publishing firm PopArabia in Abu Dhabi, Hussein ‘Spek’ Yoosef is still firmly at the heart of monumental developments within the region’s music industry. Spek recently announced the launch of ESMAA, an ambitious project and subsidiary of PopArabia, to tackle the complexities of music rights licensing for end-users in the Gulf.
Biggest professional challenge of 2021: “Establishing ESMAA as the first rights organisation in the Gulf. It was not an easy thing to pull together, with numerous moving parts and significant headwinds in our way.”
Biggest professional achievement of 2021: “Putting in place some of the first music licences in the region, including for major events like Expo2020 in Dubai and MDLBEAST’s Soundstorm and XP Conference in Saudi Arabia.”
Biggest lesson learned in 2021: “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of progress.”
Professional goals for 2022: “To continue growing PopArabia as a publisher and indie label investing in the very best Arab talent. Scaling ESMAA up through the representation of global repertoire and providing music licensing to those who need it.”
Who or what will make an impact on the UAE’s music scene in 2022?
“Numerous aspects will contribute to the growth of the scene. For one, Abu Dhabi being named a ‘City of Music’ will lead to more initiatives to underscore and support the local music and cultural scene, which is well underway.
“Streaming platforms will continue to grow in the region, building a foundation of paying subscribers who funnel revenue back into an ecosystem that pays creators and tilts toward domestic and independent music. This will have a knock-on effect that drives more investment into the local scene, enabling a virtuous cycle where revenue driven into music services leads to more investment in local content, which in turn spurns a more active music ecosystem, ready to invest in the next local star. I believe PopArabia and ESMAA will play pivotal roles in this; PopArabia as an investor in local talent, and ESMAA as a means to ensure rights holders are paid when their music is played.”
THEO MAKRIS
Position: Managing Partner Ibiza Global Radio 95.3 UAE
About: With a long history in radio, Theo Makris is bringing dance music to the airwaves across the UAE. After securing a local FM frequency, Makris brought world renowned electronic music station Ibiza Global Radio to the UAE in 2020. Today, Ibiza Global Radio UAE’s programming combines shows from international and local artists, crammed with cutting-edge electronic music. As 2021 draws to a close, the station boasts 200,000 daily listeners.
Biggest professional challenge of 2021: “Going into the pandemic in 2020, I think many people in the industry didn’t expect that it would take so long to come out the other side. Getting through 2021 as a new business in the face of a pandemic has been challenging. However, we pulled through. We have an incredible team and we’ve built good solid foundations and obtained a good client base in 2021.”
Biggest professional achievement of 2021: “Being able to service the electronic music community and offering a platform for local DJs, talents and artists to showcase their skills to the nation through our FM and digital channels is magnificent. Plus, growing our listenership to over 200,000 daily listeners has been a real achievement. We’re really honoured and proud to bring Ibiza Global Radio from Ibiza to Dubai.”
Biggest lesson learned in 2021: “When you have a good team around you and when you come together, not only as a business but as a community, anything is possible and everything can be achieved.”
Professional goals for 2022: “IGR media production has some really fantastic projects in the making, which will contribute to the growing ecosystem for artists and the community in the region. We’re going to reveal more very, very soon.”
Who or what will make an impact on the UAE’s music scene in 2022?
“Having the right Covid protocols in place to be able to go to clubs and dance again will have a massive impact to the music scene as a whole. Without wanting to sound biased, I believe Ibiza Global Radio UAE is going to have a massive impact in 2022. Being able to go in your car and turn on a radio station that caters to your taste in electronic music is definitely revolutionary here in the UAE.”
TOBIE ALLEN
Position: Founder of Ma’ana Music PR & Marketing
About: We long bemoaned the lack of music PRs firms in the UAE before Tobie Allen’s Ma’ana Music came along. With a career spanning over 20 years in music and entertainment, former DJ and label boss Allen now helps MENA musicians maximise their exposure. Offering services in English and Arabic, Tobie and his team help artists gain press coverage across TV, radio, print and online. In 2021 Ma’ana has worked with a diverse range of artists including Dave Kirreh, Bashar Murad and Felukah.
However, Allen cements his place on our UAE Music Power List for consistently encouraging and empowering the next generation of artists through his podcasts offering advice from various industry figures, and the free resources he provides via Ma’ana Music.
