James Blake, Tems & The Roots to Headline Sole DXB 2024 in Dubai

Sole DXB, the region’s premier contemporary culture festival, has revealed its headlining acts for the 2024 edition, marking a major milestone for the event. The three-day festival will feature Grammy Award-winning artists making their UAE debut: British electronic music pioneer James Blake, global Afrobeats and R&B sensation Tems, and legendary hip-hop icons The Roots.

Performing on Friday, December 13th, James Blake is known for his genre-blurring sound that blends electronic, R&B, and soul. Blake has earned widespread acclaim for his innovative production and emotionally charged vocals. Having won a Grammy for his contributions to Beyoncé’s ‘Lemonade’, Blake has collaborated with major artists like Frank Ocean and Kendrick Lamar, while his solo work, including albums like ‘Overgrown and Friends That Break Your Heart’, has redefined modern music.

On Saturday, December 14th, Tems - one of the fastest-rising global stars - will bring her soulful blend of Afrobeats and R&B to the festival’s main stage. Having worked with the likes of Wizkid and Drake, Tems has become a defining voice of the contemporary Afrobeats movement, known for hits like ‘Free Mind’ and ‘Essence’.

Sole DXB will close with The Roots on Sunday, December 15th. Widely regarded as one of the most influential and versatile hip-hop groups, The Roots are known for their dynamic live performances and live instrumentation. They have won multiple Grammy Awards and continue to influence the genre, both as the house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and through their celebrated Roots Picnic festival.

Since its inception, Sole DXB has become a cultural hub that celebrates the intersection of music, fashion, art and sports. Drawing global attention, the festival has built a reputation as the leading platform for creative expression across the SWANA region. Each year, it attracts a diverse crowd of music lovers, trendsetters, and influencers, showcasing cutting-edge talent while offering an immersive experience through brand activations, live performances and exclusive fashion drops.

“Music is a fundamental pillar of Sole DXB. It’s at the centre of the community we’ve built,” Sole DXB Partner Rajat Malhotra tells SceneNoise. “This year’s Main Stage headliners represent some of the best live bands from around the world, with diverse ideas and the widest selection of genres we’ve ever presented at Sole DXB. We’re proud to bring James Blake, Tems, and The Roots for their debut shows to the city we call home.”

With the support of strategic partners Dubai Calendar and Dubai Design District (d3), Sole DXB 2024 promises an expanded experience with new stages, extended hours, and a diverse lineup blending music, fashion, art and more.