DUBAI, 30 October 2021 – An ode to urban culture, Urban Jam will bring together a planet-spanning mix of top athletes, world-class street artists and dynamite DJs at Expo 2020’s Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre on 1 November.
The elite round-up of talent features 35 performers from 28 countries, including skateboarders, scooter riders and BMX bikers, along with artists Myneandyours and Ruben Sanchez, and musical input from DJ Michelle, DJ Shock and DJ Mr T. All.
They will come together to narrate a collective story in a unique and moving way to highlight how differences are a fundamental strength – from breakdancing competitions to trick contests, a spoken-word and beatbox loop station performance, and a multi-generational DJ act, the action-packed programme is designed for diversity.
MC and creative Tamir, originally from London, will host Urban Jam. Tamir said: “Yet again we get to witness another amazing feat for Expo 2020 Dubai in real-time. It’s been a tough couple of years with the whole world at a standstill, so not only am I happy to reunite with humanity at such an amazing venue and event, I’m also so excited to be sharing hip-hop culture and urban city culture.”
Describing his work as “a Mediterranean journey with no destination”, Spanish street artist Ruben Sanchez said: “I’m looking forward to seeing the Expo and the work of my contemporaries and friends. I’m sure it will all be outstanding.”
Fellow street artist Myneandyours said: “[It will be] exciting to connect with a broad audience and to be immersed in an innovative environment surrounded by motivating and powerful ideas.”
DJ Michelle, who hails from Azerbaijan, is the youngest professional female DJ in the world and the youngest DJ in the Middle East. She describes herself as an open-format DJ, and promises a set “full of energy and positive vibes”.
Lebanese visual artist Ser, whose work communicates emotional, social and cultural concepts, appreciates this type of platform as it demonstrates “a willingness to learn from others”.
Bboy, a dancer from France, is looking forward to the opportunity to share backgrounds, cultures and, most importantly, smiles with people from across the globe.
Urban Jam takes place on November 1, the second day of Urban and Rural Development Week – a series of events dedicated to exploring how we must transform the way we move, build, consume and live in habitats of the future.
The performance runs from 1930-2130 at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre. Admission is open to all Expo 2020 ticket holders on a first-come, first-served basis, with visitors advised to arrive early.
Visitors can also enjoy other urban and rural development-themed activities across the site, including two specially-curated, self-guided vistor journeys – ‘Cities of the Future’ and ‘Dialogue by Design’ – while Mexico will screen two highly-acclaimed films, Una corriente salvaje (A wild stream) and Camplejo Norte (North Complex) at Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, on 5 November at 1400.
