Known for his alternative R&B sounds and eclectic style, Dev Hynes, better known as Blood Orange, presented by PUMA, officially joins the stellar 2018 Sole DXB music line-up. Blood Orange penetrated the music scene in 2009 and has collaborated with talent such as Solange, A$AP Rocky, Mariah Carey and more. His latest album, Negro Swan, has been critically acclaimed and is a self-exploration of hope.

Alternative pop artist ABRA, presented by Reebok Classic, known for YouTube sensations ‘Fruits’ and ‘Roses’ will also be joining the 2018 line-up.

Presented by PUMA, Blood Orange will take to the main stage on Friday, he will be joined by critically acclaimed rapper Giggs, presented by adidas originals, as well as Northampton artist, Slowthai, bringing a mix of grime, rap, and garage, and South Africa’s rising star Sho Madjozi.

The Saturday line up, sees legendary Queensbridge Rapper Nas headline the main stage, along with America’s R&B duo Lion Babe, one of the industry’s first female rappers, Roxanne Shante, and ABRA, presented by Reebok Classic, one of the most highly anticipated artists of the year, with a unique sound of freestyle house and R&B.

Within the PUMA space, emerging artists Masego and “Lil Bebe” singer, DaniLeigh, will make their debut performances in the UAE on Friday and Saturday night respectively.

In addition to its heavy-weight music line up Sole DXB unveils a series of cultural talks and conversations taking place from some of the biggest names in design, culture, fashion and music. The programme includes; Nas, leading the speaker line-up, as well as and New York battle rapper and pioneer female MC, Roxanne Shante. Reebok Classic will present two speaker sessions; Kerby Jean-Raymond, founder of Pyer Moss and winner of the CFDA/’Vogue’ Fashion Fund, and author journalist Vikki Tobak and hip hop photographer Barron Claiborne, who will be holding a book signing for Contact High; A Visual history of Hip Hop at the Reebok stand.

Global alternative culture platform Highsnobiety will present, “Just Dala- Meet Heads of Cape Town”, a documentary screening, followed by a panel with the director, and photographer, Imraan Christian, alongside guest, Cape Town rapper, YoungstaCPT and Highsnobiety CEO, David Fischer. South African based fashion brand, Unknown Union, will host a session with its President and Co-Founder Jason Storey, alongside the brand’s Creative Director Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) and Art Historian, Dr Barbaro Martinez-Ruiz, whose expertise lies in African and Caribbean arts.

The region’s biggest cultural festival returns with the support of its partners Cadillac, Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai Tourism and Sprite for three-nights and two-days on December 6, 7 and 8, 2018 at d3. Tickets now on sale at www.soledxb.com/tickets.