Cee-Lo Green, Missy Elliot, Spice Girl Mel C, Egyptian superstar Tamer Hosny and Lebanese singer Maya Diab will perform at this year’s Yasalam concerts on Abu Dhabi Corniche.
The concert series takes place alongside the Grand Prix, giving the public access to free performances by top music stars while racegoers enjoy concerts at Yas Island.
Elliot, Hosny and Mel C perform on November 1; Diab, Hani Al Omari and Green play November 2. Over at Yas Island, Kylie Minogue, Nickelback and Eminem will play concerts on November 2, 3 and 4 respectively, for racegoers only.
“The city-wide programme will kick off on October 3 and is based on three elements: Live on the Corniche, Live across the City and Live from Yas Island,” said Mike Fairburn, Director of Marketing and Planning at Flash Entertainment.
“These will include community programmes in universities and public locations, live events, exhibitions and entertainment starting with the Yasalam Responsibly road safety campaign and ending with Eminem’s after-race concert on November 4,” he added.
Elliot is on the comeback trail, with the imminent release of her long-awaited album Block Party and the release this month of a single, 9th Inning, with her longtime collaborator (and Beats on the Beach veteran) Timberland.
Green, famous as the voice behind hits such as Crazy and Forget You, on Monday announced he was leaving hit TV talent show The Voice to make new music and a sitcom based on his life. Like Elliot, he’ll be making his UAE debut at the concert.
Most famous as Sporty Spice from 90s’ girl power group the Spice Girls, Mel C had a string of solo hits before heading to Broadway. The 38-year-old is about to embark on a 19-date national arena tour with rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar in the role of Mary Magdalene.
Arab stars Hosni and Diab are no strangers to the UAE, with frequent concerts around the UAE. Hosni recently left hearts broken across the region after announcing his marriage to Tunisian singer Basma Boussil.
Local bands and DJs, such as Dubai-based rock group Juliana Down, will be supporting these international artists during the Live on the Corniche segment of the festival.
A number of free events related to Yasalam will take place around the city during the build-up to the race on November 4, said organisers.
Screen by the Sea Weekend will run screenings of family films, while Cut&Paste Abu Dhabi will run a talent competition of UAE graphic designers. My Yasalam Moment will allow all participants to share their favourite moments at the festival through the Yasalam Facebook App, making winners eligible for free tickets to watch Eminem perform live at the du Arena.
Flash also revealed that Skybar Abu Dhabi will host the only official parties for the Yasalam After-Race Concerts.
Go to yasalam.ae for more.
