Reem Almenhali
Reem is an Emirati performance artist and a theater practitioner. Reem received a B.A in Theater with a minor in Psychology from New York University Abu Dhabi. Reem co-created Amulets of Palm with her collaborator Maitha Al-Suwaidi and showed it on Alserkal Avenue as part of their More Than Human festival. The performance used poetic and visual forms of fiction to capture the palm as a mystical soul, an abundant ground, and an entity. The performance later developed into a short film that was screened in Basel, Switzerland as part of the public programming of Art Basel. For Deliberately and in Cash, Reem wrote and directed the performance lecture on the history of the practice of collecting Diya money in the Gulf. Reem also wrote Al Raheel | Departure and co-created the performance in collaboration with the director Joanna Settle. The performance is a bilingual contemporary theater piece that explores how the rapidly evolving life in the UAE and its bilingual reality are experienced by women of different generations. Al Raheel was produced by The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi was co-commissioned by Cultural Foundation in 2019, and received official support of the US Mission to the UAE in 2022. Reem won the 2020 Gulf Capital ADMAF Creativity Award for writing Al Raheel.
Ananya
Ananya is a singer-songwriter, producer, and audio engineer based in the UAE. Growing up around a diverse culture, she has been trained in both the Indian Classical and Western genres since the age of 6, which is what shapes her unique sound and style. Her varied influences are showcased in her original music, which is a canvas for her lyrical identity. She will always bring her ever-growing passion for music - and her acoustic guitar - to every stage.
Edenojie
Edenojie is a versatile Nigerian artist whose music masterfully blends R&B, Soul, Pop, Afro-Pop, Neo-Soul, Alternative, Blues, Jazz, and Motown. With a strong gospel background that infuses depth and soul into every genre he touches, Edenojie moved to Dubai in 2019 and has since made a significant impact on the city’s vibrant music scene. Known for his dynamic performances, Edenojie has graced notable events, including Sounds Dubai with his band, The Tasty Biscuits, and he also produced and performed at The Tasting Session Live. His skills as a guitarist, songwriter, and vocal arranger are evident in every performance, whether he’s performing solo or with his band. Dedicated to his craft, Edenojie has invested in his growth through various artist development programs and has self-funded many of his projects. He is currently preparing to release new singles that continue to showcase his commitment to creating music that deeply resonates with his audience. For Edenojie, music is more than just entertainment; it’s a personal journey that connects with listeners and honors his family’s legacy.
Ibby VK
A Dubai-born, raised, and based songwriter turned recording artist and performer, amassing millions of streams and thousands of dedicated followers internationally, Ibby has collaborated on music projects with multiple reputable brands across different sectors and has performed at sold-out shows, headliners, festivals, and has had his music playlisted on thousands of playlists and played across multiple radio stations. Yet, his pride and joy will always be his live performances, which bring joy to anyone in the audience no matter their age or background, and were good enough to get the attention of VIPs, and industry professionals and has even gotten a Miss Universe singing and dancing with him up on stage at one of his shows. For 7 years, Ibby was solely focused on his English music and songwriting but has now reconnected with his roots and his mother tongue, merging that same Acoustic/Pop, Singer-Songwriter style into songs that Arabic speakers can enjoy.
Jaysus Zain
Jaysus Zain is a poetry grand slam champion known for his intricate wordplay and complex perspectives on subjects from love to self-identity. The creative director and poetic engineer is known to incorporate poetry, spoken word, and hip-hop to weave visions and dreamscapes. Jaysus Zain is of Sudanese origins and is well-established in the UAE, where he currently resides. In addition to his numerous community involvements, including with NYU Abu Dhabi. Hope and faith are themes that permeate Jaysus Zain’s work. The artist likes to say that a story is the language the human heart understands. Being an educator, he often explores how community and friendship can become strong instruments to help overcome obstacles. The multifaceted artist is now getting ready to publish his first book: a compilation of 15 years' worth of poems and musings. Through his book, Jaysus Zain says readers will be able to accompany him on the journey of finding faith within themselves.
Jared Maxilom
Jared Jimenez Maxilom, born in Olongapo City, Philippines, is a Filipino poet and art mediator based in Dubai. His work has appeared in THRUSH, The Kingfisher Magazine, NO NIIN, Postscript Magazine, Department of Foreign Affairs Philippines, among many others. His work is inspired by the narratives of real and imagined lives within the Filipino migrant experience.
Jennah Fakhouri
Jennah Fakhouri is an award-winning poet, writer, and wandering spirit who seeks new experiences and destinations to tame her insatiable wanderlust. She uses her voice to provide divergent perspectives on global issues, particularly issues related to refugees due to her own Palestinian American heritage. Her poetry often draws on her time volunteering in Morocco, Egypt, and the West Bank and her own struggle to reconcile her fragmented identity into a cohesive destination called Home.
Jiire Smith
In the world of music, it is only the truly remarkable ones that stand out, and Jiire Smith emerges as a beacon of distinction. Jiire epitomizes the essence of a consummate music professional. His voice is an irresistible force, his stage presence, enthralling, and his ability to engage with every curious eye in the room is nothing short of conversational charisma. As a recording artist, Jiire has independently released five original tracks, collectively spun over 200,000 times by fans worldwide. These songs have not only resonated with his listeners but have also earned him spots on prestigious Spotify and Apple Music playlists internationally. In November 2023, his rising star was officially recognized when he was named the UpNext Artist of the Middle East by Apple Music. This accolade, celebrated globally by his friends and legion of fans, is a testament to his skill, dedication, and the profound impact of his music.
Namal Siddiqui
Namal Siddiqui is a spoken word poetress, creative writer, and mountaineer. After working in advertising and tech start-ups for over a decade in the UAE, she went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Birmingham City University. She has performed at Expo 2020 Dubai, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, and the Global Citizen Festival. A third-culture kid, born and raised in the UAE with roots in Pakistan, Siddiqui has written poetry since childhood. Her writings delve into the subjects of identity, migration, and nature. She currently curates special events for the Emirates Literature Foundation and serves as Adjunct Lecturer of Creative Writing at Rochester Institute of Technology.
Payel Das
Payel Das is a seasoned Kathak dancer, choreographer, and educator with an 18-year career dedicated to the art form. Her impressive resume includes a successful six-year tenure as Head of Faculty at Gurukul Dubai, UAE. Through years of dedicated practice, she has mastered the intricacies of Kathak, captivating audiences worldwide with her grace, precision, and expressive performances. Her talent has been showcased on prestigious stages in India, Dubai, and Switzerland, earning critical acclaim and a loyal following. As a former Head of Faculty, Payel's expertise extends beyond performance, as she is equally committed to nurturing the next generation of dancers and passionate about sharing her knowledge.
Salem Attas
Salem Shukri Al Attas is recognized as the first Emirati slam poet. He began his journey in poetry while studying at university and quickly gained prominence in the UAE’s poetry scene. Known for his captivating spoken word performances, Salem’s work often explores themes of identity, culture, and social issues. He has won multiple poetry slam competitions, including the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, and has become a significant figure in promoting spoken word poetry in the UAE.
Sreeja Chakra
Sreeja Chakra is a Bengali singer-songwriter based in Dubai, UAE. Her musical journey ignited at the age of 12, captivating audiences at open mics, social gatherings, school events, and talent competitions. In 2014, she stood out among 100 applicants to grace the stage at the Winter Wonders Concert hosted by a local radio station City 101.6 FM at Global Village, Dubai. In 2017, Sreeja further honed her skills at Berklee College of Music in Boston during The Five Week Summer Program. Her commitment to music led her to relocate to Denver, CO, in 2018, where she embarked on a journey to earn a BSc in Music Business from the University of Colorado, Denver. Embracing the local music scene, she began shaping her musical identity. Sreeja's distinctive sound is a fusion of South Asian music styles and Alternative R&B, showcased through several singles and an EP released in 2022. Her artistic expression reflects a rich tapestry of cultural influences, making her a compelling voice in the contemporary music landscape.
Trixie Danielle
Trixie Danielle is a writer and performance artist who has performed at Rooftop Rhythms (NYU), the Museum of Migration and Memory (NYU), various open mics, poetry slams, and commissioned events in the UAE. She is skilled in production and stage management and has acted, directed, and written short plays in her dialect, Hiligaynon. A member of 63Kolektib, she was involved in the recent staging of Lola Basyang in the UAE at Bayt Al Mamzar and 421. She is a 2024 Numoo Artist. Now, she writes poetry in English and Hiligaynon, continuing to explore and share her cultural heritage and migration experiences connecting it to her identity, sense of belonging, and self-discovery.
