Aziz Maraka performs to a full house in Abu Dhabi

The Jordanian singer made his UAE debut on September 20

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Aziz Maraka has been turning regional music industry heads with his evocative songwriting. On Friday, September 20, the Jordanian musician made his UAE debut with a performance at the Cultural Foundation theatre in Abu Dhabi.

The popular singer put up this Instagram video of the Abu Dhabi performance - which seemed well-received, to say the least.

Known for his innovative Arabic rock-jazz musical style, Maraka delivered some of his biggest hits as well as new music, performed live for the first time, much to the audience's delight. His lovingly composed folk songs and ballads marry Levantine melodies with the classical music training Maraka received as a child.

Maraka has European and debut North American tours on the cards this year, too. Despite his increasing stature as a musician, he has rebuffed all offers to join major labels so far. "Listen, I am doing this because I don't want to have a typical job," he told The National. "I don't want to work for a company. I am my own boss and that is such a privilege," he says. "That's the thing I don't understand about joining a label. Sure, they can help you make it, but surely you want to enjoy the journey at the same time."

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