The Abu Dhabi F1 after race concerts series kicked off in blaze of beats on November 28.
US DJ and producer Marshmello illustrated why he is one of the hottest – and most lucrative – names in the EDM industry with a storming set that blended radio-friendly dance-pop with more aggressive electro tracks.
Arriving to the sound of synth bleeps of Wolves, the 27-year-old took the decks with his signature paint bucket smiling face on his head.
Greeting the crowd with the declaration of an all-night party, he got straight into it as he dropped various tracks from his 2016 album Joytime, including the euphoric You and Me and thumping EDM and hip-hop number Keep it Mello.
The almost violent volume and shuddering base proved initially too much for the house speakers, forcing Marshmello to walk off stage for a few minutes as the problem was fixed. Returning on stage with his big hit Friends, he had the crowd amped up again in no time.
With each track getting an airing of less than two minutes, Marshmello kept the set pacey and conjured a roaring party atmosphere fit for the Abu Dhabi F1 Weekend.
Those who came to venue early also had the chance to see the talented support act Moh Flow. The Syrian-Palestinian rapper is a stalwart of the UAE hip-hop community and is a seasoned stage performer. Never over-awed by the occasion, Flow delivered an assured performance as he dropped club ready tracks Dead One and latest single Do Enough, which makes use of his underrated Drake-like croon.
The Abu Dhabi F1 after race concerts continue at du Arena with rappers Future and Gucci Mane taking the stage on Friday, November 29, US torch singer Lana Del Ray the following night and The Killers on Sunday, December 1.
To attend the four Yasalam After-Race Concert performances it is necessary to purchase a ticket for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Tickets are available on online at www.yasmarinacircuit.com, through the Yas Marina Circuit Call Centre (800 927) or +971 (0) 2 659 9800, as well as through all Etihad Shops and Virgin Megastores, the Yas Central Express stand at Yas Mall and through the YasHUB smartphone app and its Facebook shop: facebook.com/yasmarinacircuit
