She was born Reem Shaban Ibrahim Hassan, but for 20 years now, the UAE has known her as Aryam.
The 35-year-old Emirati singer – who was born in Sharjah, grew up in Dubai, and studied media and communication in Ajman – began her musical career at the age of 15 and has performed in every corner of the country.
She hasn't looked back since. Aryam first appeared on TV in 1995, as the youngest contestant on the talent show Ya Hala Beldaif.
She caught the attention of legendary TV producer Simon Asmar from Lebanon, whose televised talent competitions were responsible for launching the careers of the likes of Majida El Roumi, Walid Toufic, Ragheb Alama, Nancy Ajram and Elissa.
“Those early days, they were the best days,” says Aryam. “No matter how much I speak about my early days, I can never express how lucky I consider myself. I wish for those days to come back so I can truly appreciate them.”
Ahead of her Al Ain concert on Thursday with fellow Emirati singer Mansour Zayed she talks about acting, her musical career and plans for a future album.
You haven't released an album since 2011's Vitamin Al Gharam. When can we expect your next album?
The idea for a new album is there, but I consider it postponed for now. With each passing year, I notice that production companies release albums for the same names, over and over again, based on their history and presence as artists. These albums don’t make any profit for the companies because they get leaked on the internet. Because of that, I feel like this is the age of the single, not the album. I work on a song properly, in terms of the lyrics and the music and the arrangement, and I take it from there, hoping it will become a success. The idea for an album is always there but on hold for now.
You are known as a Khaleeji singer, but have you ever considered singing in other Arabic dialects?
Yes of course, a million per cent. This is a continuing project, and God willing, very soon you will hear me singing in a new dialect and hopefully I get it right and know how to present it to my fans. I believe in the idea that an artist can sing in other dialects as long as he/she can master them. I’ve heard so many Khaleeji artists sing in the Moroccan or Iraqi dialect, for example, and at first I had no idea who was singing, that’s how well they did it. It takes talent and intelligence. I hope I can do as well soon.
You were excellent in Al Hub Sultan, a soap opera that aired on Abu Dhabi TV during Ramadan last year. Would you ever consider taking on more acting roles?
The soap opera was a great experience and I was happy to be a part of it, considering I’ve always loved acting since my school days. But it is still something that scares me so it’s always something I put off. Roles are presented to me and I always say no because the time just isn’t right. When I did the soap opera, it felt right – it was a beautiful, natural role and I liked myself in it. Since then, I have been offered at least two acting jobs, to be honest, but surprisingly, I never expected to be so scared to try my hand at acting again after the success of my first try.
You are always generous about giving a personal shout out to local brands, which you support via your Instagram account. How important is that to you?
I love and support Emirati projects and businesses of all kinds and I love that you know that about me and that you noticed that. For someone to start a business from their talents is just wonderful and inspiring, whether it’s cooking or embroidery or design or fashion. I make a point of visiting markets in the UAE and discovering new talent and home-grown products. And I want to give them an audience by sharing my discoveries on Instagram. It’s like giving them a hand and helping in their success. It’s beautiful and humbling to be able to do so.
• Aryam and Mansour Zayed will perform in Al Ain's Municipality Theatre at 7.30pm, tonight. Tickets start at Dh199 and go up to Dh599, available online from www.tixbox.ae
artslife@thenational.ae
