Mishaal Tamer's Unplugged Session at Balad Beast
February 10, 2025 – In a defining moment at Balad Beast, MDLBEAST Radio, in partnership with Pepsi, hosted an intimate unplugged session featuring Saudi superstar Mishaal Tamer. For the lucky few in attendance, it wasn’t just a performance—it was a shared experience, a night that deepened their connection to music and to each other.
For Rawan, a dedicated Mishaal fan, the night was more than just another show—it was a milestone in her life. In her words while talking to MDLBEAST Radio presenters; Rosa and Niniyaz “It was worth the risk of me traveling for the first time,” she said, having flown from Riyadh to Jeddah just to attend the show. “I didn’t expect to make friends there, but I honestly made long-lasting ones. It was beyond the music. It was beyond Mishaal.”
Set against the enchanting backdrop of Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district, the MDLBEAST Radio House was transformed into a haven for music lovers. The acoustic setting stripped the night down to its rawest emotions, allowing fans to truly feel every lyric and note. For many, it was their first time experiencing music in such an intimate space, where the usual barriers between artist and audience simply didn’t exist.
As Mishaal stepped onto the stage, the anticipation was electric. “I was preparing my phone. I didn’t want the battery to die. I kept putting it up and down, up and down, just waiting for him to walk in,” Rawan recalled. And when he did, it was a moment of pure euphoria.
One of the most unforgettable highlights of the night came when Mishaal led the audience in an interactive moment during his song Keep It Up. “He told us to go down and then jump. Everyone had to jump—even Mishaal, even the band! We love that song,” Rawan shared, still reliving the high-energy moment.
But the night wasn’t just about the music. It was about the sense of belonging, the feeling of finding ‘your people.’ “To be in a room full of people who share the same struggles, the same emotions—it was something I can't even put into words.”
For many young Saudis, particularly women, this experience symbolized more than just a concert. It was a testament to how far things have come. “Just a few years ago, I wouldn’t have had the choice to travel alone for something like this. The minute I had the opportunity, I took it, because I knew this wasn’t just any show—it was my chance to be part of something real.”
For Rawan, a dedicated Mishaal fan, the night was more than just another show—it was a milestone in her life. In her words while talking to MDLBEAST Radio presenters; Rosa and Niniyaz “It was worth the risk of me traveling for the first time,” she said, having flown from Riyadh to Jeddah just to attend the show. “I didn’t expect to make friends there, but I honestly made long-lasting ones. It was beyond the music. It was beyond Mishaal.”
Set against the enchanting backdrop of Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district, the MDLBEAST Radio House was transformed into a haven for music lovers. The acoustic setting stripped the night down to its rawest emotions, allowing fans to truly feel every lyric and note. For many, it was their first time experiencing music in such an intimate space, where the usual barriers between artist and audience simply didn’t exist.
As Mishaal stepped onto the stage, the anticipation was electric. “I was preparing my phone. I didn’t want the battery to die. I kept putting it up and down, up and down, just waiting for him to walk in,” Rawan recalled. And when he did, it was a moment of pure euphoria.
One of the most unforgettable highlights of the night came when Mishaal led the audience in an interactive moment during his song Keep It Up. “He told us to go down and then jump. Everyone had to jump—even Mishaal, even the band! We love that song,” Rawan shared, still reliving the high-energy moment.
But the night wasn’t just about the music. It was about the sense of belonging, the feeling of finding ‘your people.’ “To be in a room full of people who share the same struggles, the same emotions—it was something I can't even put into words.”
For many young Saudis, particularly women, this experience symbolized more than just a concert. It was a testament to how far things have come. “Just a few years ago, I wouldn’t have had the choice to travel alone for something like this. The minute I had the opportunity, I took it, because I knew this wasn’t just any show—it was my chance to be part of something real.”
Pepsi, a brand deeply embedded in youth culture, echoed this sentiment. “With our Thirsty for More philosophy, we aim to create unique experiences that push boundaries and inspire the next generation of creators,” said Pepsi CEO Mohamed Shelbaya. “Mishaal’s music, blending Arab identity with international soundscapes, mirrors Pepsi’s own journey—nostalgic yet progressive, iconic yet evolving. Partnering with MDLBEAST on this event was a way to champion Saudi talent and deliver unforgettable moments.”
As MDLBEAST Radio continues to spotlight incredible artists and redefine the music experience in the region, more unplugged sessions are on the horizon. Fans who missed this night will soon have their own chance to be part of a moment that, as Rawan put it, “felt like home.”
As MDLBEAST Radio continues to spotlight incredible artists and redefine the music experience in the region, more unplugged sessions are on the horizon. Fans who missed this night will soon have their own chance to be part of a moment that, as Rawan put it, “felt like home.”
About MDLBEAST Radio:
MDLBEAST Radio is the sonic heartbeat of the Middle East’s thriving music scene, championing the region's artists and global sounds. Broadcasting 24/7, we provide a platform for emerging talent while connecting fans to the very core of the international electronic music scene. As a pioneer in the industry, MDLBEAST Radio amplifies creativity, fosters collaboration, and celebrates diversity through cutting-edge programming, exclusive mixes, and in-depth artist features. From the underground to the main stage, we’re more than a radio station—we’re a movement redefining music in the Middle East and beyond.
About MDLBEAST:
MDLBEAST LLC is a music entertainment company committed to growing talent, building the regional scene, and advancing the creative economy. MDLBEAST was established following the success of its flagship festival, SOUNDSTORM, in 2019. Through its focus on artists and talent, MDLBEAST is building a talent infrastructure and providing them with opportunities which put them on global stages. Similarly, through owned events and experiences, content, conversation, fashion, and more, MDLBEAST is helping to build a thriving, and economically sustainable, music community in and for the region. MDLBEAST operates under its three corporate arms: XP Music Futures, MDLBEAST PRESENTS and MDLBEAST Record Label.
MDLBEAST Radio is the sonic heartbeat of the Middle East’s thriving music scene, championing the region's artists and global sounds. Broadcasting 24/7, we provide a platform for emerging talent while connecting fans to the very core of the international electronic music scene. As a pioneer in the industry, MDLBEAST Radio amplifies creativity, fosters collaboration, and celebrates diversity through cutting-edge programming, exclusive mixes, and in-depth artist features. From the underground to the main stage, we’re more than a radio station—we’re a movement redefining music in the Middle East and beyond.
About MDLBEAST:
MDLBEAST LLC is a music entertainment company committed to growing talent, building the regional scene, and advancing the creative economy. MDLBEAST was established following the success of its flagship festival, SOUNDSTORM, in 2019. Through its focus on artists and talent, MDLBEAST is building a talent infrastructure and providing them with opportunities which put them on global stages. Similarly, through owned events and experiences, content, conversation, fashion, and more, MDLBEAST is helping to build a thriving, and economically sustainable, music community in and for the region. MDLBEAST operates under its three corporate arms: XP Music Futures, MDLBEAST PRESENTS and MDLBEAST Record Label.
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