New On STR: Sikka Festival Music Is Now Streaming

by Barbara Yakimchuk

New On STR: Sikka Festival Music Is Now Streaming

26 Feb 2025

Image: Midjourney x The Sandy Times

STR is growing — more music, new genres, and emerging artists with unique sounds and flows. Most importantly, it keeps pace with the evolving cultural agenda of the UAE.

Last month, one of the key events in the UAE was the Sikka Art and Design Festival 2025, featuring countless exhibitions, hundreds of workshops, and, of course, plenty of music. How could music not take centre stage at a festival celebrating local talent? Thanks to the incredible contributions from The Workshop DXB and Sawt Systems in collaboration with STR, a fantastic mix of sounds and performances was created and showcased in one of the parts of Sikka — House 196. But if you missed it — no worries! Starting this week, STR is launching daily releases from the artists who performed at the event — names you should know, support, listen to, and most likely fall in love with. What can you expect? Find out below!

So, what is waiting for us? 18 episodes, over 20 hours of music and vibes, plus a lineup of local and international artists showcasing their best gems!

The releases kicked off on Monday, dropping one by one every day at 8 PM Dubai time. Each episode features a mix by a specific artist — most of them offering something fresh, specially curated and played for the Sikka event. This series is brought to you by The Workshop DXB — a community-driven platform for printmaking, music, urban art, and immersive experiences — in collaboration with SAWT System, a homegrown AV & events company.

Before Sikka: Music Warm-Ups

Before the daily releases begin, two more mixes were released as a warm-up to Sikka that you will not want to miss. These episodes were curated by local favourites almo١٠٠ and Mariam Al Askari.

almo١٠٠, a Dubai-born musician, delivers a special mix that blends unexpected elements — unique Asian influences fused with Western, easily digestible beats, clean and steady rhythms, and surprising musical flows that form a geometric structure. His time in Glasgow and Sydney has undoubtedly shaped his sound, leaving traces of their vibrant musical scenes.

Mariam Al Askari, based in Abu Dhabi, is a multi-instrumentalist and avid music selector. Her mix has a more spacey, universal feel — almost alien — thanks to the unique instruments she incorporates throughout.

So if you are into music that is distinctive and packed with hidden gems, these warm-up mixes are not to be missed.

Photos: The Workshop DXB X SAWT System

Upcoming releases: what to expect

This week, we have seven artists with seven mixes, each bringing a special sound!

First up, Tarik Omar — an artist who floats between house, funk, disco, and techno. His sound is one of my favourites — the beats are active enough to keep the energy flowing but restrained enough to stay smooth in the background. Next, Haybayl, a Lebanese-born and Germany-based multidisciplinary artist with a contemporary, modern vibe — I would even say with a touch of spacey sounds.

On Wednesday, we have Mckie Alvarez, who brings beats that make everyone want to move (this one is a real gem for the dancers). I am in love with how he blends well-known sounds with modern beats — this is all about the vibe and rhythm. Episode 6 features Nagada, who brings Arabic motifs and soulful flows, paired with high-energy beats. After her, we are also seeing the return of rvcrwlrs, who have already graced STR with two incredible shows — this time, he has prepared something extra special.

And Finally, on the weekend, we have the already familiar sounds of Mariam Al Askari and the debut of PEAXH, who blends dance sounds from ballroom to dembow and beyond, creating a style that defies easy categorisation.

So, this week expect a lot of energy and serious variety in the mixes to come!

Photos: The Workshop DXB X SAWT System

What about the next weeks?

The upcoming weeks will feature another seven amazing talents. Without giving too much away, I can say you can expect a lot of Arabic talents — Lebanese and UAE-based artists — with unique gems in their collections. Their music is all about energetic beats, local and authentic motifs, unexpected twists, and a vibe you will definitely love.

One more thing — each artist brings their own experience and roots into the music they share. Take Shane, for example — coming from the Sri Lankan diaspora, his music reflects the sounds he grew up with. Then there is 199X, a Filipino music producer, selector, and urban artist. His experimental new-age music project, Sukatoyo, adds a touch of Asian influence to the mix.

Who else can you expect? ANDR, Anna Shpaltakova, Kira, Mr. Fresh, Nouche, and PHo! Stay tuned!

Photos: The Workshop DXB X SAWT System

by Barbara Yakimchuk