The Can’t Hold Us and Glorious hitmaker makes his Dubai debut.

If the tracks Can’t Hold Us and Thrift Shop get you grooving, you’ll be pleased to hear that American rapper Macklemore is about to make his Dubai debut. The concert was initially scheduled to take place on Saturday, 28 October 2023 but has now been rescheduled for Friday, 4 October 2024.

Born Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, Macklemore is an American rapper and songwriter whose unique style and socially conscious lyrics have earned him a notoriety in the world of hip-hop. He gained widespread recognition alongside producer Ryan Lewis with their 2012 breakout single, Thrift Shop, which used quick-fire wordplay over a catchy beat.

Macklemore’s music often explores themes of self-identity, consumerism, and social justice. His 2016 album, This Unruly Mess I’ve Made, continued this tradition, showcasing his artistic growth while maintaining his signature storytelling style. He is known for addressing social issues on tracks like Same Love and Starting Over, earning him both critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. 

In a career spanning almost two decades, Macklemore has worked with Ed Sheeran, Idris Elba, Kesha, Lil Yachty and Martin Garrix. In 2014, Macklemore won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album for The Heist, which resulted in controversy when he texted fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar that it should have been him: 

“You got robbed. I wanted you to win. You should have. It’s weird and sucks that I robbed you. I was gonna say that during the speech. Then the music started playing during my speech and I froze. Anyway, you know what it is. Congrats on this year and your music. Appreciate you as an artist and as a friend. Much love,” Macklemore shared on the night.

Thomas Ovesen, CEO of All Things Live Middle East, said: “Dubai, get ready to unleash your inner thrift shopper because Macklemore is about to drop some musical bargains that’ll leave you feeling like you scored big-time in the charts aisle. What a weekend this is going to be, the Coca-Cola Arena will be turned into a treasure trove of hip-hop and R&B hits and it’s time to pop some tags and enjoy the ride!”

Macklemore was last in the Middle East in July, where he performed at the world’s biggest esports festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

If you’re looking for more music events in the UAE, there are not just mega festivals but mega artists coming to the country. Upcoming concerts include Ed Sheeran at the Sevens Stadium on 19 and 20 January, and R&B superstar Khalid will perform at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on 2 March.

Get ready to return to the Good Old Days with tickets starting from AED 199 via Platinumlist.

GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.