Organised by MDLBEAST, the festival attracted thousands of music lovers to the Saudi capital, showcasing a diverse lineup that spanned Western, African, and Middle Eastern sounds. Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Almanzar, turned her performance into a late-night block party, delivering a high-energy show that kept the crowd on its feet well into the early hours of Sunday, according to Revolt.
Her appearance in the conservative kingdom had sparked widespread discussion. Known for her daring fashion choices and explicit lyrics, many fans were surprised when she announced she would perform in Saudi Arabia. “Hello, Saudi Arabia… Halal B has arrived,” the Grammy Award-winning rapper wrote on Instagram upon her arrival, sharing a video of herself wearing a long black gown and a head covering resembling the traditional abaya.
During her set, Cardi tailored her performance to the cultural context, keeping her lyrics largely free of profanity and presenting a clean DJ set. She maintained the energy her fans expect, performing hits from both her earlier catalog and her chart-topping sophomore album, Am I the Drama? Tracks like Press, Pretty & Petty, Bartier Cardi, No Limit (Remix), Safe, and I Like It kept the crowd engaged, with Cardi even stepping off stage to interact directly with fans.
The rapper also embraced local culture, greeting the audience with “As-salamu alaykum” and incorporating Saudi references throughout her performance. Digital stage backdrops further highlighted Arabian-inspired visuals and imagery nodding to the region’s historic silk and hand-loom traditions.
Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, also delivered a dynamic performance, delighting the audience with his Afrobeats hits and further cementing Soundstorm’s reputation as a global music destination. Other notable performers included Young Thug, Miguel, Black Coffee, Metro Boomin, and Don Toliver, creating a multi-stage celebration of music from around the world.
According to MDLBEAST’s Chief Creative Officer, DJ Baloo, an estimated 30,000 people attended the festival’s final night alone, underscoring the growing popularity and scale of the event.
Soundstorm continues to position Riyadh as a key stop for international music festivals, blending diverse cultural influences while providing a platform for both global superstars and regional talent.