Dubai’s music scene has received a considerable boost, with legendary music producer Quincy Jones announcing plans to launch a music industry trade show as well as several annual music festivals.
Dubai Music Week (DMW) and the festival series is a joint initiative between Dubai World Trade Centre and the Global Gumbo Group (G3). G3 is a Dubai-based cross-cultural music and entertainment company, founded by Jones and Emirati social entrepreneur Badr Jafar. Jones is most famous for producing Michael Jackson’s hugely successful album, Thriller.
DMW will be a public event, which aims to attract major music labels, artists and merchants to exhibit their products and launch initiatives. The event will also include daily conferences, networking events, workshops and live performances.
It is envisioned that the collaboration between DWTC and G3 will see the launch of Dubai Rocks and Dubai Classics, two significant music festivals featuring local and international artists.
In a joint statement, Jones and Jafar said: ‘I strongly believe in the social powers of arts and entertainment, and so am constantly looking to see how best to use these spheres to create positive social impact. We both believe this collaboration with DWTC will provide a cultural exchange between our region and the rest of the world, using music’s amazing power to foster a better understanding and an appreciation for our common values.’
The dates for the planned events of Dubai Music Week have not yet been released. It is expected that the trade show will be held in the first quarter of 2013.
