Charice and Juicy J strike a rhythm at Beats on The Beach

Charice and Juicy J bring the party to the Abu Dhabi corniche.

Filipino singer Charice performing at Beats on the beach on Nov 20, 2014 in Abu Dhabi ahead of Formula 1 ( F1 ). (Flash)

Abu Dhabi’s biggest beach party returned yesterday to a new Corniche location.

Over 30,000 fans hit the sand at West Plaza and Lagoon Beach to welcome the return of Beats on The Beach with performances by Filipina pop-star Charice, American rapper Juicy J and the Arab starlet Chada Hassoun.

After the Iraqi-Moroccan Hassoun finished her near hour long set featuring her signature balladry and stylish Arab pop, younger fans took over the venue to see the Middle Eastern debut of Juicy J.

The 39-year-old maybe known for his winning verse in last year’s Katy Perry hit Dark Horse, but he reminded the crowd that he is first and foremost a gritty rapper.

J took the stage and busted a few forceful bars a Cappella before the massive bass of the stomping Ice kicked in. Next up was the marauding All I Need with J doing a rather admirable job of editing the original track’s extremely crude lyrics.

Who Da Neighbours was a fun romp with J riding a triumphant synth beat to wittily declare the effects of his new found fame: “My mansion sittin’ on 40 acres. Who da neighbours? Kobe Bryant from the Lakers, now that’s paper!”

The night ended with the first day’s biggest headliner Charice. Armed with a cracking backing band — featuring Mariah Carey’s tour bassist Lance Tolbert — the 22-year old singer was all energy with a set list full of pop covers including Bruno Mars’ Treasure and Beyoncé Crazy in Love and Run The World. She even paid tribute to tonight’s Beats on The Beach headliner Jason Derulo with a solid rendition of his hit Talk Dirty.

Speaking backstage before the performance, Charice said she was a little overwhelmed by her reception in the capital so far.

“It has been amazing,” she said.

“Earlier today I was in Yas Mall and a group of people were shouting my name and I turned around expecting them to be from the Philippines and instead they were local from the emirates. I next expected that, it was really wonderful.”

As for Juicy J, he described his Abu Dhabi debut as “simply great.”

“I didn’t know what to expect,” he said after his performance.

“So I just thought I would go on in there and play all my hits and the crowd was having a great time. I really hope to come back here and play some more shows in the future.”

Beats on The Beach continues tonight with performances by RnB stars Jason Derulo and Miguel in addition to the UAE’s Ruweida Al Mahrouqi.

For details go to www.yasalam.ae