Blog: Nurturing the music industry in the uae
Photo from Snap & Boom’s Vocal Retreat, 2023
I am deeply committed to artist development and firmly believe more can be done to elevate and empower the grassroots music landscape here in the UAE. While we celebrate the influx of international superstars on our big stages, I often question how we are using these opportunities to push our local talents forward.
Yes, some stakeholders and large events have provided support slots for local artists, but the experiences for these artists are often limited and, in many cases, disappointing. Time and again, I’ve heard from clients who feel overlooked, mistreated, or treated as an afterthought.
Some examples:
• Minimal marketing effort to promote their opening slots.
• Inadequate soundchecks or none at all.
• No access to dressing rooms or green rooms—forcing them to prepare for shows in public toilets.
• Having to beg for basic necessities like bottled water or light snacks.
• Unfair contracts with unclear terms or hidden conditions.
• Little to no pay, despite the significant value local artists bring to these events.
• Broken promises regarding exposure, opportunities, or agreed-upon terms.
The majority of artists I work with in this capacity are emerging and independent, many without a dedicated team to advocate for them or the knowledge to understand what is acceptable. While I always strive to remain open-minded and fair—acknowledging that every situation has multiple perspectives—one thing is clear: there is no industry without artists, and how we treat our local music community has lasting consequences.
I’ve raised these concerns with individuals and organisations who could make a real difference, proposing better protocols and stronger collaborations between local artists and major events. Unfortunately, proactive responses remain rare.
As someone whose music career started in live events, I know first-hand that it is entirely possible to respect and support “support acts.” It’s also possible—and necessary—to create meaningful opportunities for emerging artists to grow, particularly in the live space. While we do see occasional efforts, it’s simply not enough.
If I had it my way, major events would allocate a reasonable budget to grassroots initiatives and explore ways global icons could contribute to the local music economy. This could include various opportunities and collaborations that offer long-term value to our artists. These steps would not only strengthen our local ecosystem but also ensure sustainable growth for UAE talent.
I hope 2025 brings significant, tangible changes. If you’re a stakeholder or organisation contributing to the music space but find yourself stuck on how to make this happen, let’s connect. With my experience and a wealth of ideas, I’m ready to consult and support this mission to truly empower our local music community.
- Tiéce (Founder and Executive Director of Artist Development @ Snap & Boom)
