Atlanta and Manchester Energy Lands in Abu Dhabi
BRED Abu Dhabi is turning up the volume once again as two exciting names join the festival’s highly anticipated return. Atlanta rap heavyweight Gunna and Manchester’s fast-rising star Nemzzz are officially confirmed to perform live at Yas Marina Circuit on April 24. Their addition injects serious global energy into a festival already known for pushing boundaries and celebrating youth culture.
From April 22 to 26, Yas Marina Circuit will transform from a world-famous motorsport venue into a vibrant playground for street culture. For five days, the space becomes a living, breathing creative hub where music, fashion, art, sport, gaming and food collide. It is not simply a music festival. It feels like an entire city built by creatives, for creatives.
Gunna arrives in Abu Dhabi as one of Atlanta’s most recognisable rap exports. Known for his smooth delivery, chart-topping collaborations and unmistakable style, he has helped shape the sound of modern hip-hop. His presence on the BRED stage signals the festival’s continued commitment to bringing global icons to the region.
Alongside him is Nemzzz, the Manchester rapper who has quickly become one of the UK’s most exciting new voices. With a laid-back flow and sharp storytelling, he represents the next generation of British rap talent. His appearance at BRED marks a significant moment, not just for his career, but for fans eager to witness fresh talent alongside established stars.
A Festival Built on Neo-Culture
Since launching in 2023, BRED Abu Dhabi has carved out a unique space in the region’s cultural calendar. It has positioned itself as a home for youth expression and Arab creativity, giving a platform to emerging artists while welcoming internationally recognised names.
The 2026 edition embraces the theme “The People of Neo-Culture, Today & Tomorrow.” The concept celebrates the fusion of heritage and modern hustle, where tradition meets innovation. Visitors can expect to wander from pop-up shops to live performances, from sneaker drops to immersive art installations. Every corner of the venue promises something unexpected.
What sets BRED apart is its authenticity. It champions the kids with cameras documenting their communities, the designers sketching their next collection, and the rappers finding their voice. The festival doesn’t simply showcase culture; it captures culture as it unfolds in real time.
Previous editions have already raised the bar. Global heavyweights such as Metro Boomin, Nas, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Offset and Cairokee have graced BRED stages, cementing its reputation as a serious player in the international festival scene. The addition of Gunna and Nemzzz reinforces that momentum and suggests that 2026 may be its most dynamic year yet.
Yas Marina Circuit Transformed
The setting itself plays a huge role in the experience. Yas Marina Circuit, more commonly associated with Formula 1, undergoes a dramatic transformation during BRED. Instead of engines and pit lanes, the venue fills with music stages, fashion activations, art installations and food stalls.
The wide-open space allows for an immersive layout where visitors can explore freely. One moment you might be in front of the main stage anticipating Gunna’s performance, the next you could be discovering a regional designer’s latest collection or watching a live art piece come to life.
This flexibility gives BRED a dynamic feel. It is not restricted to one central performance area. It is layered and interactive, encouraging guests to move, discover and connect.
Music, Fashion and Flavour
Music may be a major draw, but BRED’s appeal stretches far beyond its line-up. The festival merges creative industries in a way that feels organic rather than staged. Streetwear brands launch exclusive drops. Local and regional artists showcase photography and contemporary artwork. Gamers and sports enthusiasts find their own dedicated zones.
Food also plays a starring role. Skinny Louie is set to return with its cult-favourite smash burgers, adding flavour to the cultural feast. Meanwhile, the neo-gallery will present striking work from regional photographers, offering visual storytelling that complements the energy of the live performances.
The atmosphere is designed to be inclusive and immersive. It attracts hypebeasts hunting limited-edition sneakers, families exploring youth culture, music lovers chasing live performances and creatives seeking inspiration. That cross-pollination of audiences is part of what makes BRED feel alive.
Why Gunna and Nemzzz Matter
Bringing Gunna to Abu Dhabi is more than a booking announcement. It signals how far the region’s festival landscape has evolved. International rap stars are increasingly viewing the Middle East as a key destination on the global touring map. For fans in the UAE and across the region, it means access to world-class performances without travelling abroad.
For Nemzzz, the BRED stage offers a powerful platform in front of a diverse, international crowd. His inclusion highlights BRED’s dedication to showcasing both established icons and rising talent. That balance between legacy and future aligns perfectly with this year’s theme.
Their joint appearance on April 24 is likely to be one of the standout nights of the festival. Expect high energy, crowd engagement and a celebration of transatlantic rap culture under the Abu Dhabi sky.
The Details You Need
BRED Abu Dhabi takes place at Yas Marina Circuit from April 22 to 26. Gunna and Nemzzz are scheduled to perform on April 24 as part of the five-day programme.
Wave 1 tickets are already on sale, with five-day passes starting from Dhs695. Based on previous editions, demand is expected to rise quickly as more line-up announcements follow.
For those who have attended before, BRED feels less like an event and more like a movement. For newcomers, it offers a gateway into a thriving creative community that spans continents.
As the capital prepares to welcome thousands of visitors, one thing is clear: BRED Abu Dhabi is not just hosting culture. It is shaping it. With Gunna and Nemzzz now confirmed, this year’s edition promises to deliver one of the most electric celebrations of neo-culture the region has seen yet.
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