American rapper Cardi B and Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido were among the top acts who thrilled fans at the 2025 Soundstorm Festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Almanzar, turned Soundstorm into her own late-night block party during the early hours of Sunday, according to Revolt.

She was one of the most anticipated headliners at the festival, which was organised by MDLBEAST and attracted thousands of music lovers to the Saudi capital.

Her appearance in the conservative kingdom had earlier raised eyebrows.

Known for her daring fashion choices and explicit lyrics, many fans expressed surprise when she announced she would perform in Saudi Arabia.

“Hello, Saudi Arabia… Halal B has arrived,” the Grammy Award-winning rapper wrote on Instagram upon her arrival on Friday, sharing a video of herself wearing a long black gown with a head covering resembling the abaya commonly worn by Muslim women in the kingdom.

In a performance tailored to the global and cultural setting, Cardi kept her set largely free of profanity, aside from a few accidental slips. Even her DJ’s pre-set was noticeably clean.

What was unmistakable, however, was the high energy that fans have come to expect from the Bronx-born rapper. Backed by a troupe of dancers and dressed in a brightly coloured outfit, Cardi delivered a hit-packed performance blending older favourites with newer tracks from her chart-topping sophomore album, Am I the Drama?

Songs such as Press, Pretty & Petty, Bartier Cardi, No Limit (Remix), Safe, and I Like It kept the crowd on its feet. At one point, she stepped off the stage to interact with fans near the barricades.

Cardi also embraced the local culture, incorporating Saudi references into her performance. “Saudi Arabia, how are we doing tonight?” she asked early on, later greeting the crowd with “As-salamu alaykum!”

She added, “Thank you for having me in your country. Everything is mashallah.”

The digital stage backdrops complemented the theme, featuring Arabian-inspired visuals and imagery referencing the region’s historic silk and hand-loom traditions.

Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, also delivered a crowd-pleasing performance, further underscoring Soundstorm’s growing reputation as a global music destination that blends Western, African and Middle Eastern sounds.

Other major acts at the festival included Young Thug, Miguel, Black Coffee, Metro Boomin and Don Toliver, alongside a wide range of international performers across multiple stages.

According to MDLBEAST’s Chief Creative Officer and world-renowned DJ, Baloo, an estimated 30,000 people attended the festival’s final night alone. (PUNCH)

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