Live Nation Middle East will import US-based Asian cultural event MetaMoon Music Festival to Dubai for its first international edition.

Since launching in 2022, the New York City-based festival has centred on Asian talent and entertainment through showcases and industry panels.

The UAE edition is set for 15 February 2025 at Expo City Dubai’s Al Wasl Plaza (cap. 60,000), with South Korea-based singer-songwriter Henry Lau and singer-rapper Lee Young Ji to headline the event.

“Live Nation Middle East is proud to partner with MetaMoon to bring this unique celebration of Asian pop culture to Dubai,” says James Craven, president of Live Nation Middle East.

“The UAE is a vibrant and diverse region and this event is a perfect reflection of the incredible cultural exchange we aim to foster through music and entertainment. We are thrilled to debut such an exceptional lineup of talent, and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories for fans in the Middle East.”

Other featured artists include singer-songwriter mikah, dancer MT Pop, and American DJ and radio veteran Poon; rapper and comedian MC Jin will host.

“We are excited to be debuting an incredible lineup of Asian talent for their first appearances ever in the region”

MetaMoon founder Grace Chen says the expansion is helping deliver Asian talent to new fanbases worldwide.

“Our partnership with Live Nation Middle East to bring MetaMoon to Dubai signifies our commitment to introducing Asian artists and pop culture to new fans while giving existing fans a chance to see their favorite artists live,” Chen said in a statement.

“We are excited to be debuting an incredible lineup of Asian talent for their first appearances ever in the region and for what will be an entertaining evening for fans.”

Asian-focused events are increasingly going global. KCON, the world’s biggest K-pop fest, expanded to Hong Kong alongside Japan, the US, Europe and Saudi Arabia last year, while touring festival series Waterbomb launched in seven new markets in 2024.

Plans were recently revealed to bring a multi-day, 15,000-capacity Made in Korea festival to London this year.

A September study by Live Nation revealed the Asia Pop genre was skyrocketing across Oceania: “Asia Pop has transcended its niche status and exploded into mainstream fandom, fostering deep connections between fans and artists through social content, dance and fashion to name a few,” said Wenona Lok, Asia Pop promoter and talent buyer at Live Nation Australasia.

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Live Nation is partnering with Hong Kong-based Graceful Media on the inaugural MetaMoon Music Festival – an event designed to showcase Asian talent and culture.

The “single day festival and cultural experience” will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday 26 November.

The debut festival will feature performers from Asia, including many who will be making their US debut. Lay Zhang, from K-pop super group EXO, will headline alongside 9m88, Karencici, ØZI, and Sury Su, with more artists still to be announced. MC Jin will be hosting the evening.

Graceful Media founder Grace Chen says the intention was to create a platform in the US for Asian and Asian American artists.

“Live Nation is committed to creating endless opportunities to connect artists of all genres and backgrounds with their fans”

“There is a great need for stronger Asian representation in pop culture and in the media, and the mission of MetaMoon Music Festival is to give artists the ability to shine from a prominent stage, in the heart of Brooklyn. Now more than ever, music is truly a global language, and talent, no matter where they come from, will resonate with fans across cultures if given the opportunity to share their passion and creativity.”

“Live Nation is committed to creating endless opportunities to connect artists of all genres and backgrounds with their fans,” says Geoff Gordon, regional president, Live Nation Northeast. “The inaugural MetaMoon Music Festival will inspire and create new and exciting opportunities for many of today’s Asian artists, from both here and abroad, to shine brightly, and engage their fans in this epic and unforgettable event.”

New York City has the largest Asian-American population in the US, accounting for almost 15% of the city’s population.

“Since opening our doors in 2012, Barclays Center has hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry, bringing countless fans and artists together in the heart of Brooklyn,” adds Laurie Jacoby, EVP and chief entertainment officer at BSE Global, parent company of Barclays Center. “Our goal is for MetaMoon Music Festival to highlight the importance of the Asian community while simultaneously celebrating the diverse and exciting culture of our city.”

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