Ari Abdul Melkweg Amsterdam 2026 Review – Photos & Ella Boh Support Act

On March 25, 2026, Ari Abdul took the stage at the MAX in Melkweg, Amsterdam. The Brooklyn-born artist has rapidly gained recognition with her signature blend of alternative pop, dark pop, and subtle shoegaze influences, building a strong global following through platforms like TikTok.

Ari Abdul

The night opened with Ella Boh, and unlike many support acts, she was given the space to fully establish her sound with a set lasting well over thirty minutes. As a concert photographer, I was able to capture her entire performance, a rare and valuable opportunity to really follow the energy of a set from beginning to end.

Originally from Laguna Beach, California, and now based in Los Angeles, Ella Boh creates emotionally driven dark pop with a cinematic edge. Her music feels raw and immersive, and that intensity translates effortlessly to a live setting. She managed to pull the audience into her world from the very first note, setting a strong and cohesive tone for the rest of the evening.

Ari Abdul in Melkweg Amsterdam

What made this pairing even more interesting is the connection between the two artists. Ella Boh and Ari Abdul don’t just share a lineup — they are close collaborators. Ella Boh plays a key role behind the scenes as a songwriter and producer for Ari Abdul, and the two have also worked together on music releases. That creative relationship is clearly reflected on stage, where their sounds and aesthetics seamlessly align.

Ella Boh

When Ari Abdul finally stepped on stage, she continued exactly where the atmosphere had been left. Her performance felt intimate yet powerful, built on moody synths, soft yet haunting vocals, and a strong visual presence.

For me, the pace shifted instantly. Like at most concerts, photographers were only allowed to shoot the first three songs. That created a short but intense window where everything had to come together - timing, emotion, lighting, and composition. With an artist like Ari Abdul, whose performance relies heavily on mood and expression, those first moments become crucial.

Overall, the evening felt incredibly cohesive. Ella Boh laid the emotional foundation with a compelling and layered set, while Ari Abdul elevated it into a fully realized live experience. It was a night where music, visuals, and atmosphere came together seamlessly - a clear reflection of a new generation of artists shaping their own distinct sound and identity.