It has been a long time coming for Mohammed Assaf.
Ever since winning last year's Arab Idol, the Palestinian has been touring the world, performing a variety of covers ranging from Palestinian and Lebanese folk songs to Khaleeji pop.
With his self-titled debut album out last month through MBC’s Platinum Records, Abu Dhabi fans are now set to be among the first in the region to finally hear some of Assaf’s original tunes when he headlines at du Arena on Thursday in an Arab music spectacular that also features Egypt’s Tamer Hosny, Lebanon’s Carole Samaha and the UAE’s Fayez Al Saeed.
With 13 new songs to pick from, Assaf says he is raring to go on stage.
“This is a big and important step in my career, because everyone was expecting the album, especially after the huge steps that I have accomplished so far, thanks to the fans,” he says. “By the way, allow me to say that I have always considered the patriotic Palestinian songs that I have performed on stage as if they were songs of my own, and that’s the way every Palestinian feels.”
With Assaf's Arab Idol victory propelled by votes spanning the Arab world, it is understandable that his album exhibits various styles from the region.
For example, the track Shou Betkhabrouna is a Lebanese dabka, while Aywah Haghani is a nod to Egyptian pop, with Assaf channelling the voice of Mohamed Mounir.
Gulf fans will also savour Ya Bnyaya, a Khaleeji pop number full of poetic lyrics and those trademark syncopated beats.
Assaf says that the album’s eclecticism was as much an artistic decision as a thank you to his pan-Arab fan base.
“I wanted, first at all, to give back to my friends and fans a little bit of gratitude for the unlimited support they gave me,” he says. “I wanted them to be proud of me. Many believed in my talent and not disappointing them was my main goal. Also, I wanted my songs to have a meaning, to be true and honest and to be simple, just like me.
“One other thing, I wanted to prove that all the support I got wasn’t just because of my nationality, my life story, or because of the strong media arm of the MBC Group. I wanted people to feel my talent, and I thank the Lord for every single stage of my life.”
Assaf says the album tracks stack up well against some of the classic covers on the set list.
“All the new songs have real content and aren’t very far from what I used to present on stage,” he says. “I am also in direct contact with the audience and I listen to their comments and I do take them into consideration.”
Assaf recently returned from the MTV European Music Awards held in Glasgow on November 9, where he was nominated for Best Worldwide Act, but lost out to China’s Bibi Zhou.
• Mohammed Assaf, Carole Samaha, Tamer Hosny and Fayez Al Saeed perform at du Arena on Thursday (November 20). Gates open at 5pm. Admission open only to race-ticket holders. For more information, visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com
