It’s exciting times here in Abu Dhabi, with a huge range of cool events scattered around the next few weeks; the Grand Prix and Yasalam to name a few. Skybar – returning to Yas Island for another race weekend – has also thrown in some of the hottest late night parties. The Skybar parties bring together a bar experience and some exclusive performances from international big names, all set in a custom-built night club inside the Flash Forum. Artists such as rising hip-hop stars J Cole and Jay Sean, the iconic Wyclef Jean and Shaggy, legendary DJ Fatboy Slim and UK chart toppers Example and Yasmin, will be performing this year; and because we love you, we’ve rounded up all the need-to-knows.
J Cole
The first artist signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation album, all eyes have been on Cole with his clever rapper rhymes and intriguing lyrics and content. J Cole says that he is influenced by everything that is happening in his life, such as family problems, relationships and friends. His sophomore album will be released in June 2012, and Cole says that the album will consist of songs that never made the track list for his debut album. J Cole will perform at Skybar on Thursday November 10.
Wyclef Jean
You will remember Wyclef Jean as the founding member of the pioneering hip hop group, The Fugees. Wyclef has crossed genres, generations and geographic boarders with his music, and in 1997 Wyclef Jean moved on to pursue his solo career in which he won a Grammy and recorded several albums. He is currently working on his forthcoming record, Wyclef Jean: Feel Good Music. Wyclef Jean will perform at Skybar on Thursday the November 10.
Example
Two years ago Example was a support act for Calvin Harris, but since then he has had three of his own sold out tours, and played a string of events with the likes of Lily Allen and Faithless. His hit single ‘Changed The Way You Kissed Me’ is a metaphor for the fragility of all relationships. This song debuted at number one in the UK. Example performs at Skybar on Thursday November 10.
Jay Sean
Jay Sean is the only male artist in the past ten years to have two simultaneous Top Ten tracks. This British singer-songwriter, rapper, beat boxer and record producer even founded his own independent label, Jayded Records, and a new hit single called ‘Hit The Lights’ featuring Lil’ Wayne was released in February 2011. Jay Sean’s music is embraced by hip-hop, pop and R&B fans all over the word. Jay Sean will perform at Skybar on Friday November 11.
Shaggy
Jamaican-American reggae singer and rapper Shaggy is perhaps best known for his 1995 single ‘Mr. Boombastic’, and 2000 single It Wasn’t Me. The man has one of the most identifiable voices in music history: a slurry, baritone that often concerns itself with self promotion and exotic women. He has won four Grammy’s and has sold over 20 million albums. Shaggy will perform at Skybar on Friday November 11.
Fatboy Slim
This British DJ was a pioneer of the big beat genre that was huge in the 1990s. He’s set to keep the crowds dancing until the small hours with hits such as ‘Rockafeller Skank’ and ‘Right here, right now’. Fatboy Slim will perform at Skybar on Saturday November 12.
Yasmin
British DJ and singer-songwriter Yasmin is signed to record label Levels Entertainment, an imprint of Ministry of Sound, and began her singing career in October 2010 when she appeared on rapper Devlin’s single ‘Runaway’. Her debut single On My Own was released on January 30 2011. Yasmin will perform on Saturday November 12.
Alexandra Stan
Romanian singer-songwriter Alexandra Stan is best known for her hit single ‘Mr Saxobeat’, that sold almost one million copies in less than a year, and reached the top five in over twenty countries. Alexandra will perform at Skybar on Sunday November 13.
Dhs600 for general admission tickets (standing). Tables with waiter service range from Dhs8,000 for the Silver Table (10 people) to Dhs35,000 for the Black Table (20 people). The parties run from November 10-12, 11pm-4pm at the Flash Forum, Yas Island. Tickets on sale at www.thinkflash.ae.
