Mariam Nihal
Saudi Gazette
Drake got social media platforms riled up when Louder Entertainment announced the celebrated rapper is coming to the Middle East for the first time on 14th March. You can thank them later. Dubai has seen it all. From Paul McCartney to Madonna, UAE has been home to the biggest stars and music festivals. Yet, somehow no one succeeded in bringing the Canadian sensation to the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Not yet at least. But just hold on, here he comes.
The 28-year-old rapper has released three mix-tapes and three full length albums, each selling more than the previous.
Drake has sold five million albums worldwide. He also won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album (Take Care) in 2011 following 10 previous nominations.
‘Nothing Was the Same’, his most recent album sold 658,000 in its first-week, making it the biggest opening week for a rap album in 2013. Of course it hit a million in its sixth week. He has also topped the US Billboard chart longer than any other rapper.
Social media has been abuzz ever since the official announcement with no signs of slowing down.
Saudi fans spoke to Saudi Gazette about the hysteria and why Dubai is their favorite destination.
Mohammad Yusuf, a 26-year-old banker in Jeddah, said Hip Hop is an essential part of the Saudi music scene. “We love HIp Hop. And Drake is undeniably the best thing that has happened to the scene with thousands if not millions of fans across the Gulf! We are super excited, this is a dream come true,” Yusuf added. “It looks like the ultimate 2015 concert, making the lives of other promoters, fairly difficult,” Fatima AlSayed,a 25-year-old marketing manager in Riyadh, told Saudi Gazette.
Omar Wassim, a 27-year-old social media executive from Najran, said young Saudis are always looking for ways to engage in social activities and entertainment outlets that they do not have access to in the Kingdom. “This is fantastic. As a Drake fan, I am going! Most of us are going in groups to Dubai just for the concert. Thankfully Dubai is close and we love going there for the glorious opportunities and great entertainment facilities.”
Lama Moutaz, a 26-year-old fashion student in Jeddah said she has been waiting for a Drake concert for six years. She said: “This is the best news ever! Eight of us booked this morning. I think all my friends are going. It is going to be crazy! I cannot wait till March!”
Forget the fact that Drizzy Drake is going to be performing his number one hits, but if you are lucky, he might even spoil you with a sneak preview of his highly anticipated fourth album ‘Views From The 6’.
Location: Dubai International Stadium
Entry Charges: Upper Grandstand- AED 320, Lower Grandstand - AED 395, Gold - AED 550, Silver - AED 495, OVO Pit (inclusive of tour memorabilia and early entrance)- AED 950.
Platinum and Royal Boxes are available from Louder HQ – reservations@louderentertainment.com
Telephone: 04 551 6708
