OTHER ACTS AT THE FESTIVAL

When the Backstreet Boys hit the stage tomorrow night at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, they will follow a line-up of regional and international acts that offer a mix of R&B, dance and pop songs. Here’s a preview. Omar Afuni – 5.15pm Singer-songwriter Omar Afuni was discovered on YouTube performing covers of hit songs, including a notable mash-up of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way and Madonna’s Express Yourself.

As the lead singer of the rock band Qattana, Afuni competed in the Yasalam Emerging Talent Competition. He has released three solo albums and opened for Akon in Stockholm.

Danny Aridi – 6pm

The winner of the Virgin Megastore Best Artist contest and the 2017 Yasalam Emerging Talent Competition, Dubai resident Danny Aridi has recently opened for Pink, Katy Perry and Fifth Harmony. The singer-songwriter brings a deep, soulful sound to the stage, performing both covers and his own original songs, including Home, Solo and Who. Lemar – 7pm

British R&B singer Lemar Obika rose to fame in 2002, during the first season of the British talent show Fame Academy, in which he came in third place. Following the contest, he was invited by singer Beverley Knight to sing with her, which led to Lemar’s first five-year record deal and becoming the opening act on the British dates of Justin Timberlake’s Justified tour in 2003. With six studio albums, his hit songs include If There’s Any Justice and It’s Not That Easy. Melanie C – 8.30pm

As a member of the Spice Girls, Melanie C – born Melanie Chisholm – was known as Sporty Spice before embarking on a solo pop career in 1998, singing with Bryan Adams on the hit single When You’re Gone. She has recorded for soundtracks including

Big Daddy and Bend It Like Beckham, as well as an album of show tunes. She previously performed in Dubai in 2001, and in Abu Dhabi at the Yasalam Beats on the Beach in 2012. Her popular hits include Anymore, Never Be the Same Again, First Day of My Life and the latest single, Room for Love.