Musicians celebrate true spirit of Dubai at Metro Fest

Dubai Metro Music Festival is celebrating the diversity and openness of the city by bringing together a unique group of innovative musicians from across the world.

In its second edition, the festival will feature musicians from Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, France, Indonesia, Mexico, Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Syria and the UAE.

"Dubai's cultural dynamism gives artists a space to create and present their work to an incredible audience," said Yuri Martinnez, a Dubai-based artist from Cuba performing at the Festival.

Jose Torres, an Ecuadorian musician who is presenting a ‘one-man band’ at the Festival, has been winning over hearts. He uses different instruments attached to his body, including a drum, a guitar, wind instruments, a charango and the chajchas, for his show. There's also two puppets and a stuffed animal that move to his beats, and an alpaca fur toy that serves as his companion.

Another artist, who is attracting large crowds at the Festival, is the French musician Christophe Servas, who performs on instruments made from recycled materials. The actor and self-taught musician from Nice sends an important environmental message with his performances.

Meanwhile, Mexican musician Leo Traeger, another innovative artist, has been wowing commuters with his solo recitals using three guitars.

For many musicians, the performances in Dubai are an opportunity to present the culture and music of their country. Costa Rican trombonist Jorge Chinchilla's scintillating performances have set large crowds grooving, while Trinidadian Justin Homer expresses pride in performing his national instrument - the steelpan - in Dubai. 

Filipino musician Neil Rey Garcia Llanes has also been drawing crowds with his stunning performances as a human beatbox that blur the line between humans and musical instruments.

Indian classical musician Sandeepan Sankarankutty, who is enthralling crowds with his recitals on the tabla, said performing at Dubai Metro stations is an experience like no other. "Playing music in a place thronged by large numbers of people amidst other urban sounds adds dynamic elements of the faster world to the compositions. It keeps both the music and musicians grounded and connected to the audience," says the young musician who believes music has the power to evoke bliss.

Organised by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Festival is aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to create a vibrant environment in the city for art, music and culture to flourish.

The Festival, which runs until March 22, forms part of the ongoing #DubaiDestinations campaign focused on highlighting the exceptional experiences, events and activities of #DubaiArtSeason.

It'll be held at five Dubai Metro stations - Expo 2020 Dubai, Jebel Ali, Mall of Emirates, Burjuman and Union - from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.