• Mashrou ‘Leila - arguably the biggest and most original Arab indie act of this, or any, generation. Victor Besa for The National
    Mashrou ‘Leila - arguably the biggest and most original Arab indie act of this, or any, generation. Victor Besa for The National
  • Mashrou ‘Leila’are four albums into their career, the Lebanese quintet have achieved that rare feat of creating a unique sound and aesthetic – a potent broth of indie, electro, folk and tradition that genuinely sounds like no one else.. Victor Besa for The National
    Mashrou ‘Leila’are four albums into their career, the Lebanese quintet have achieved that rare feat of creating a unique sound and aesthetic – a potent broth of indie, electro, folk and tradition that genuinely sounds like no one else.. Victor Besa for The National
  • Jadal frontman Mahmoud Radaideh soaks in the adoration. Victor Besa for The National
    Jadal frontman Mahmoud Radaideh soaks in the adoration. Victor Besa for The National
  • Jadal are veterans of the Middle Eastern rock scene. Victor Besa for The National
    Jadal are veterans of the Middle Eastern rock scene. Victor Besa for The National
  • Sufi melodies and jazz exploration melded in a spellbinding sunset set from fusion trio Salhi, despite the absence of vocalist Mounir Troudi due to reported “visa issues”. Michek Marre and Imed Alibi. Victor Besa for The National
    Sufi melodies and jazz exploration melded in a spellbinding sunset set from fusion trio Salhi, despite the absence of vocalist Mounir Troudi due to reported “visa issues”. Michek Marre and Imed Alibi. Victor Besa for The National
  • Souad Massi has enjoyed close to two decades as a Paris-based “world music” icon. Victor Besa for The National
    Souad Massi has enjoyed close to two decades as a Paris-based “world music” icon. Victor Besa for The National

In pictures: Wasla Music festival 2017


  • English
  • Arabic

The Wasla music festival at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre is an extraordinary, unparalleled array of Arab alternative artists.

fcampbell@thenational.ae