Mini Festival is the perfect place to explore and experience the thriving independent music scene from across the region
Are you ready to celebrate the very best of music, culture, and community spirit at the Mini Festival by Vinyl Souk, returning on Sunday, 13 April?
This year, the festival is joining forces with the creative minds at by Jello and will be hosted at the iconic 25hours Hotel One Central in Dubai.
From 4 pm till late, the event promises an unforgettable day of alternative sounds, creativity, and a celebration of the vibrant grassroots arts scene across the MENA region.
Mini Festival is the perfect place to explore and experience the thriving independent music scene from across the region.
With a jam-packed programme, the festival invites you to dive into live music, DJ sets, insightful talks, interactive workshops, film screenings, a record fair, and much more.
Whether you’re an enthusiast of alternative sounds, art, or just looking for a fun-filled family day, this event offers something for everyone.
Festival highlights
The Mini Festival features multiple stages showcasing a variety of music genres and activities to keep everyone entertained throughout the day:
Souk Sessions at Nomad Day Bar: Perfect for laid-back grooves.
Electronic Beats at Monkey Bar: For the dance lovers with an eclectic mix of electronic tunes.
Live Sounds at Room #3: Vibrant, high-energy live band performances.
Educational Stage at Cinema Akil: Offering insightful talks and experiences to inspire and educate.
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Exciting artist lineup
One of the key attractions of Mini Festival is its impressive artist lineup, featuring a mix of regional talent, local heroes, and emerging artists. The performances include the likes of:
Bull Funk Zoo (UAE)
Dirty Backseat (Egypt)
Refugee Sound System (Bahrain)
Analog Room (UAE/Iran)
Boogie Box
Shadi Megallaa
Gharam Electric
Walashi
Tala Mortada
These artists will bring their diverse sounds to the festival, offering everything from upbeat dance beats to the rich cultural rhythms of the region.
Interactive workshops, inspiring talks and films
In addition to live performances, the festival offers an educational and immersive experience with workshops, talks, and film screenings that dive into the stories behind the music and culture of the MENA region:
DMC Middle East Workshop & Scratch Session: An opportunity to learn from the masters of turntablism.
Panel Discussion: “Beyond the Speakers: Sound Systems as Cultural Narratives” – Discover the rich cultural history behind the sound systems that define regional music scenes.
Film Screenings: Including the UAE premieres of two acclaimed documentaries – “Sound System Sanskriti” (India) and “Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes” (UK/Jamaica).
Marketplace and unique experiences
The festival also brings a marketplace with local pop-up music stores, artistic installations, and delicious culinary offerings.
In collaboration with Cinema Akil, Doc’ N Roll Film Festival, DJ Corner, Dr. Head, CAVO.ae, and more, the marketplace will offer a variety of local and regional goods, making it the perfect place to explore and find unique experiences.
AED 120, Vinyl Souk, 13 April. For further information, visit Vinyl Souk
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