Jay Z
The man
His real name is Sean Carter. After last year’s Formula One concert headliner, Eminem, he is arguably the world’s biggest hip-hop star. The 43-year-old rapper is also the chief executive of Def Jam Recordings (the label with an A-list artist roster including Rihanna and Justin Bieber) and recently launched his own sporting agency, Roc Nation Sports. Forbes Magazine estimated his wealth last year to be almost US$500 million (Dh1.84bn).
The performance
Carter is at the top of his game. His latest world tour has received favourable reviews, with critics praising his energy and a song selection spanning most of the hits.
The artist
Ranked in numerous lists as one of the greatest MCs of all time, Carter has released 12 successful albums since his 1996 debut Reasonable Doubt. His UAE concert debut comes on the back of his latest album Magna Carta Holy Grail.
Details
Jay Z performs on Friday at du Arena. Doors open at 7pm. Access to the concert is only available with a three-day race pass (with access to all the after-race concerts) and passes start from Dh2,800 at www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Muse
The group
Not the most subtle outfit going around, the English trio have been banging out epic rock since 1994. The group’s sound is a loud mish-mash of rock styles including progressive, alternative and metal.
The artist
Muse’s rise has been slow but steady. Their 1999 debut was solid yet the group suffered from Radiohead comparisons. Since then, the boys pushed the production envelope with each album until striking pay dirt with their third release Absolution, which resulted in American success. Their latest release, 2012’s The 2nd Law, continues their bombastic rock approach and is home to the 2012 London Olympics anthem Survival.
The performance
If the boys bring the full live experience then it’s best to bring your sunglasses. Muse’s big sound is augmented by a visually spectacular live show full of strobe lighting and LED screens.
Details
Muse perform on Saturday at du Arena. Doors open at 7pm. A two-day race pass with entry to the show (and the Depeche Mode concert on Sunday) begins from Dh1,785 at www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Saeed Saeed tells you everything you need to know about the F1 concert headliners Jay Z and Muse
