05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
World Music Festival 2025 headlines OPM legends December Avenue, gloc‑9 in Qatar
Darlene Regis
The first-ever World Music Festival 2025 launched last Thursday with a surge of Filipino talent, drawing a full house at Aspire Ladies Hall as thousands witnessed one of Qatar's biggest summer concerts of the year —featuring chart-topping rock band December Avenue and rap icon gloc‑9.
Presented by Qatar Calendar, in collaboration with Qabayan Radio, the Filipino artists electrified the crowd on the festival's launch.
Back-to-Back Concerts
The two-day event, held on July 3–4 at Aspire Ladies Hall, showcased high-energy performances from December Avenue and gloc‑9 on Day 1, followed by a captivating set from the Sultan of Soulful Music Adnan Sami on Day 2.
Radio MirchiOne Qatar also served as one of the event partners in support of the Bollywood legend.
Powered by iPay and driven by GWM and Teyseer Motors, the festival united expatriates in Qatar for a world-class music experience.
Here's a look back at the event, featuring powerhouse performances by OPM legends.
Full-House Show
Doors opened at 4:00 p.m., and by the 8:00 p.m. curtain, the 5,500-seat arena was buzzing with anticipation.
VIP ticket holders enjoyed a 6:00 p.m. soundcheck, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the night's headliners.
The show kicked off with Filipino front acts, including DJ Ada, a piano performance by Millie G, and a song rendition by Carl McFly.
At the main event, gloc‑9 made a high-energy comeback and stormed the stage
with his rapid-fire raps, sparking a near-earthquake of cheers.
Moments later, December Avenue feat. Carissa Ramos made their Qatar debut, touching hearts with love anthems and a tribute to their kababayans, promoting messages of hope, unity, and world peace. The crowd sang along to hits like their Billboard-recognized track 'Bulong.'
After the show, gloc‑9 shared on social media: 'You are hotter than the weather here in Qatar, our countrymen! Thank you for the real happiness and love! Until next time!'
December Avenue also posted: 'It's a great honor and privilege to be here in Qatar — a safe haven and a land that embraces peace and diversity.'
Build‑Up and Buzz
A pre-event media gathering on July 2 at Steigenberger Hotel unveiled the festival's multicultural lineup.
Scribble artist and surreal painter Arsenio 'Artsenic' Jr. Nidoy created a portrait of gloc‑9, which the rapper personally signed during the press conference.
gloc‑9's early-morning stroll along the Doha Corniche went viral, adding a local buzz to the countdown.
Qabayan Radio 94.3 aired an exclusive interview with December Avenue and gloc‑9 as they prepared for the festival, hosted by RJ Carl McFly.
Cuecastt, a platform for the Filipino diaspora, provided full coverage of the festival.
Stars in the Spotlight
December Avenue is known for their deeply emotional and relatable lyrics about love. The band, formed in 2007, is behind some of the most-streamed songs on Spotify Philippines, with their follow-up album Langit Mong Bughaw breaking records as the most-streamed OPM album of all time.
Since 1997, gloc‑9 has made his mark with hard-hitting rap and socially conscious lyrics that reflect the realities of everyday Filipinos. Known for iconic tracks like 'Sirena' and 'Simpleng Tao,' he remains one of the most awarded and influential rappers in the Philippines.
Atmosphere and Audience
From floor to rafters, the superlatives flowed: 'legendary,' 'memorable,' 'unforgettable.' The fusion of alternative rock and urban rap showcased Filipino music at its finest, setting a high bar for future editions of the festival.
Here's what Filipinos in Qatar had to say after watching the concert:
'Filipinos reunited once again through music. Thank you, Qabayan Radio. The event was a success. Grateful to be part of the group of influencers who helped spread the word about the concert and enjoyed the event together,' shared QatarSocialMedia founder Adrian Mayo.
'It was worth it. We truly enjoyed it. Watching the concert really brought back memories. I love their songs!' expressed OFW Lilet Lopase.
'Events like this remind us of home. It was a night of music, unity, and pride for the Filipino community in Qatar,' added another OFW Ara Amada.
With rave reviews and buzzing fan reactions, organizers are already hinting at an expanded lineup for 2026.
