Singer Sean Kingston is back in his element with his new track 'Ocean Drive.' Getty Images
Singer Sean Kingston is back in his element with his new track 'Ocean Drive.' Getty Images
Singer Sean Kingston is back in his element with his new track 'Ocean Drive.' Getty Images
Singer Sean Kingston is back in his element with his new track 'Ocean Drive.' Getty Images

Sean Kingston on new material and releasing that mixtape with Justin Bieber


Saeed Saeed
  • English
  • Arabic

Being a versatile musician can be a gift and a curse.

American-Jamaican singer Sean Kingston has experienced the highs and lows of being an artist adept at so many music genres the industry has found it difficult to market him effectively.

Speaking to The National in the midst of a US tour, Kingston admits to having tried a little too hard to satisfy the masses.

"Being able to do different things may have confused people," he says.

"This is except for my core fan base who know I love feel-good reggae, pop music and they know I can rap. But at the end of the day, I know some of these things are not really my lane."

Guided by fans

Hence the importance of Kingston’s latest single, Ocean Drive.

Featuring RnB star Chris Brown, it's a care-free summer jam laced with reggae-lite melodies and percolating rhythms of Afro-pop.

Kingston says the new song aims to capture the euphoric and nostalgic vibes responsible for his biggest hits Beautiful Girls (2007) and Fire Burning (2009).

He also confirms the new material will feature in an EP called Road to Deliverance, out later this year, followed by a full-length album, Deliverance.

The connecting titles, he says, epitomises the studio experience.

"I was working hard and trying hard to discover what it is I do and what I am good at and what works best for me,” Kingston says.

“The fans are really important here because they will tell me what they want, especially now, after going through the pandemic is to experience that nostalgia and hearing songs that brought them back to the first time they heard my music."

Reconnecting with Justin Bieber

Some of those throwback vibes may include finally releasing Our World, a mixtape he recorded with Canadian pop star Justin Bieber more than a decade ago.

Kingston announced the record in 2010 by previewing some of the tracks on streaming platform Ustream, but it was never finished or released.

With both artists’ careers having taken off since, Kingston says the duo still have the desire to work together to finish what they started.

"We did about seven or eight songs that are fully completed and what happened was he got busy and I got caught up as well," he says.

"But I think we are going to do it because every time I see Justin he's like 'bro, we need to go back in the studio like the old days.' So I think we'll be able to tap into something real soon.”

However their chemistry might be, it will be markedly different to what was channelled in the studio more than 10 years ago.

While marred with some controversy, Bieber’s career went from strength to strength and he is presently on another massive world tour that lands in Dubai in October.

Meanwhile, Kingston found minor yet consistent success in the charts, but his life was nearly cut short in 2011 when he was involved in a jet ski accident, followed weeks later by emergency open-heart surgery.

Kingston describes the incidents as a wake-up call.

"When you go through that kind of trauma you can't help but reflect about life and on how to move forward," he says.

"I am much more patient now, more chilled and laid-back. Instead of being impulsive and saying let's do this now, I take a step back and think it over and ask myself if this is something I should really be doing."

With Kingston adding more dates to his tour, including two European concerts in Cardiff, Wales and Manchester, England on August 30 and September 3, respectively, he hopes a UAE show can also be part of the mix.

"Man I love it down there because every time I am back it I feel like I am back in Jamaica," he says.

"The people treat me like I am home and they are loving and caring. You can't help but have a great time.

24 concerts and events coming to Dubai, from Lewis Capaldi to Coke Studio — in pictures

  • The trio Hooverphonic, led by singer Geike Arnaert, will perform in Dubai in December. Getty Images
    The trio Hooverphonic, led by singer Geike Arnaert, will perform in Dubai in December. Getty Images
  • Egyptian actress Yousra will appear in the stage production 'King Farouk' at Dubai Opera. AFP
    Egyptian actress Yousra will appear in the stage production 'King Farouk' at Dubai Opera. AFP
  • Le Trio Joubran, from left, Samir, Wissam and Adnan Joubran. Courtesy: Youness Hamiddine
    Le Trio Joubran, from left, Samir, Wissam and Adnan Joubran. Courtesy: Youness Hamiddine
  • Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler in the 2021 film adaptation of the musical 'West Side Story'. The stage show will be performed in Dubai Opera in April. AP
    Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler in the 2021 film adaptation of the musical 'West Side Story'. The stage show will be performed in Dubai Opera in April. AP
  • The Gipsy Kings shot to fame back in the 1980s with their eponymous album. Courtesy Dubai Opera
    The Gipsy Kings shot to fame back in the 1980s with their eponymous album. Courtesy Dubai Opera
  • Martin Garrix has been named 2022'S world's number one DJ by industry publication 'DJ Mag'. AFP
    Martin Garrix has been named 2022'S world's number one DJ by industry publication 'DJ Mag'. AFP
  • Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will perform his hits at the Coca-Cola Arena. Courtesy Coca-Cola Arena
    Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will perform his hits at the Coca-Cola Arena. Courtesy Coca-Cola Arena
  • Iraqi singer Kadim Al Sahir will perform an intimate show at Dubai Opera. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Iraqi singer Kadim Al Sahir will perform an intimate show at Dubai Opera. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Canadian DJ deadmau5 will play at the Coca-Cola Arena in December. Getty Images
    Canadian DJ deadmau5 will play at the Coca-Cola Arena in December. Getty Images
  • Singer Ne-Yo returns to Dubai in December. AFP
    Singer Ne-Yo returns to Dubai in December. AFP
  • Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren is one EDM's most celebrated artists. AFP
    Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren is one EDM's most celebrated artists. AFP
  • Nigerian singer Wizkid is one of a new generation of African artists making inroads into the western charts. Getty Images
    Nigerian singer Wizkid is one of a new generation of African artists making inroads into the western charts. Getty Images
  • Mohamed Ramadan will perform post-match concerts as part of the inaugural World Tennis League tournament. AFP
    Mohamed Ramadan will perform post-match concerts as part of the inaugural World Tennis League tournament. AFP
  • Tiesto will bring his hits to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. AFP
    Tiesto will bring his hits to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. AFP
  • Jackson Wang will perform on February 4 in Dubai as part of his Magic Man world tour. AP
    Jackson Wang will perform on February 4 in Dubai as part of his Magic Man world tour. AP
  • Irish comedienne Joanne McNally performs on April 29 at The Agenda. Photo: GME Events
    Irish comedienne Joanne McNally performs on April 29 at The Agenda. Photo: GME Events
  • The Nutcracker ballet is an annual Christmas favourite. Photo: Andy Ross
    The Nutcracker ballet is an annual Christmas favourite. Photo: Andy Ross
  • Hungarian pianist and composer Balazs Havasi will play at Dubai Opera in 2023. EPA
    Hungarian pianist and composer Balazs Havasi will play at Dubai Opera in 2023. EPA
  • The Australian singer Kylie Minogue will ring in the new year in Dubai. Reuters
    The Australian singer Kylie Minogue will ring in the new year in Dubai. Reuters
  • Tomorrowland's Terra Sollis features VIP rooms with sun decks, resort views and a private plunge pool. Photo: Terra Solis
    Tomorrowland's Terra Sollis features VIP rooms with sun decks, resort views and a private plunge pool. Photo: Terra Solis
  • Peter Bence, the former Guinness World Record holder for fastest piano player, performs at Dubai Opera on November 11. Getty Images
    Peter Bence, the former Guinness World Record holder for fastest piano player, performs at Dubai Opera on November 11. Getty Images
  • See French crooner Enrico Macias on November 12 at Coca-Cola Arena. Photo: Wikicommons
    See French crooner Enrico Macias on November 12 at Coca-Cola Arena. Photo: Wikicommons
  • Spanish opera star Placido Domingo will headline the lavish Dresden Opera Ball gala evening at Dubai Opera. Getty Images
    Spanish opera star Placido Domingo will headline the lavish Dresden Opera Ball gala evening at Dubai Opera. Getty Images
  • Croation classic group 2Cellos are coming to Dubai in November. Courtesy: MBC
    Croation classic group 2Cellos are coming to Dubai in November. Courtesy: MBC
  • Watch British singer-songwriter Calum Scott live at Hard Rock Cafe in November. Getty Images
    Watch British singer-songwriter Calum Scott live at Hard Rock Cafe in November. Getty Images
  • Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi is returning to the UAE for a concert at the Coca-Cola Arena on November 24. EPA
    Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi is returning to the UAE for a concert at the Coca-Cola Arena on November 24. EPA
  • Illusionist Rob Lake is performing 'The Magic of Rob Lake' at Dubai Opera from November 25 to 27. Photo: FilmMagic
    Illusionist Rob Lake is performing 'The Magic of Rob Lake' at Dubai Opera from November 25 to 27. Photo: FilmMagic
  • Music and street culture festival Sole DXB is back for 2022 in December. Photo: Sole DXB
    Music and street culture festival Sole DXB is back for 2022 in December. Photo: Sole DXB
  • The Dubai Shopping Festival, starting in December, features concerts, family activities and plenty of shopping deals. Photo: Dubai Shopping Festival
    The Dubai Shopping Festival, starting in December, features concerts, family activities and plenty of shopping deals. Photo: Dubai Shopping Festival
  • Pakistani singer Abida Parveen returns to Dubai at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 9. Photo: Catherine de Clippel
    Pakistani singer Abida Parveen returns to Dubai at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 9. Photo: Catherine de Clippel

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

Why seagrass matters
  • Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
  • Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
  • Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
  • Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
THE SPECS

Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo

Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch automatic

Power: 169bhp

Torque: 250Nm

Price: Dh54,500

On sale: now

Getting%20there%20and%20where%20to%20stay
%3Cp%3EFly%20with%20Etihad%20Airways%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi%20to%20New%20York%E2%80%99s%20JFK.%20There's%2011%20flights%20a%20week%20and%20economy%20fares%20start%20at%20around%20Dh5%2C000.%3Cbr%3EStay%20at%20The%20Mark%20Hotel%20on%20the%20city%E2%80%99s%20Upper%20East%20Side.%20Overnight%20stays%20start%20from%20%241395%20per%20night.%3Cbr%3EVisit%20NYC%20Go%2C%20the%20official%20destination%20resource%20for%20New%20York%20City%20for%20all%20the%20latest%20events%2C%20activites%20and%20openings.%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company Profile

Name: JustClean

Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries

Launch year: 2016

Number of employees: 130

Sector: online laundry service

Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Jawan
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAtlee%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Shah%20Rukh%20Khan%2C%20Nayanthara%2C%20Vijay%20Sethupathi%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
'Operation Mincemeat' 

Director: John Madden 

 

Cast: Colin Firth, Matthew Macfayden, Kelly Macdonald and Penelope Wilton

 

Rating: 4/5

 
UK's plans to cut net migration

Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.

Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.

But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.

Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.

Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.

The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.

WORLD RECORD FEES FOR GOALKEEPERS

1) Kepa Arrizabalaga, Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea (£72m)

2) Alisson, Roma to Liverpool (£67m)

3) Ederson, Benfica to Manchester City (£35m)

4) Gianluigi Buffon, Parma to Juventus (£33m)

5) Angelo Peruzzi, Inter Milan to Lazio (£15.7m

The specs: Volvo XC40

Price: base / as tested: Dh185,000

Engine: 2.0-litre, turbocharged in-line four-cylinder

Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 250hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 350Nm @ 1,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 10.4L / 100km

At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17

At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253

Get Out

Director: Jordan Peele

Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford

Four stars

Dates for the diary

To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:

  • September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
  • October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
  • October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
  • November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
  • December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
  • February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
RESULTS

6pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $40,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: AF Alajaj, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)

6.35pm: Race of Future – Handicap (TB) $80,000 (Turf) 2,410m
Winner: Global Storm, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

7.10pm: UAE 2000 Guineas – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Azure Coast, Antonio Fresu, Pavel Vashchenko

7.45pm: Business Bay Challenge – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Storm Damage, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor

20.20pm: Curlin Stakes – Listed (TB) $100,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Appreciated, Fernando Jara, Doug O’Neill

8.55pm: Singspiel Stakes – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Lord Glitters, Daniel Tudhope, David O'Meara

9.30pm: Al Shindagha Sprint – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Meraas, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

Updated: August 05, 2022, 2:02 PM