She is a 16-year-old Egyptian juggling school work with a promising pop music career. With attitude.
Signed to Sony Music Middle East, Nathalie Saba's debut single, Snow, dropped last month. Written and recorded in Sweden, the English-language track is an assured debut, mixing contemporary beats with Arabic instrumental flourishes. You can see it earning its place on any contemporary radio playlist.
How do you manage being a pop-star while still at high school?
I haven’t found a lot of conflicts between my music and my education so far, and I hope I can keep this balance. I know it’s going to be difficult, but when you have passion for something, it’s easier.
Tell us about the single, Snow.
It’s basically about not taking things at face value, when you reach a certain place in your life where you realise that not everything that’s beautiful on the outside is beautiful on the inside.
Is that something you learnt from personal experience?
It’s something that we see every day. In Sweden, we were surrounded by snow, and it was so beautiful, but so cold ...
How many songs have you written?
I started writing a year ago. Snow was one of the first. I didn't think it was good enough to show people – I wasn't confident.
You chose to sing in English.
That’s not a permanent decision, I’m very open to singing in other languages. I will sing in Arabic very soon. I started singing when I was little, only listening to English songs. I realised later real artists should be able to sing in different languages.
What English-language artists inspired you growing up?
When I was little I would listen to Beyoncé, Rihanna, Michael Jackson. But then I started listening to more art-type music – Sufi music, old Arabic songs, a lot of rap and trip hop. I love Florence and the Machine and Sia.
How’s the scene in Cairo right now?
It’s good and really much better than it was a few years ago. People are starting to listen to different bands and are more open to new things.
Being signed to Sony opens a lot of doors. Who on the label’s roster would you be interested in working with?
Maybe Pharrell Williams and The Script – they’re great.
Also on your label, Arab boyband The 5 are getting a lot of attention following their debut single, El Donia Shabab – who’s your favourite?
Oh, they’re great fun and full of energy, I love them. My favourite is the rapper guy [BMD] – he’s really cool.
Would you like to collaborate with them?
I don’t think we have a close base musically, but maybe we could get along and do something in the future.
What do you love about music?
I just think music is the only way for me to express my feelings and emotions. It’s a way to connect with people.
Are you an emotional person?
I’m a very moody person. I sing when I’m happy, when I’m sad, when I’m depressed – I sing all the time.
Are you afraid fame could change your life?
I’m afraid that I will change with my friends. But I’ll do my best.
What makes a good friend?
I think it’s when you’re confident to do anything and everything when you’re around him. He won’t judge you and will be there for you when you need it, but will understand if you’re not always there for them.
What will you spend the money on when you’re famous?
I think I would give a lot of it away to people who need it. I’d buy a house somewhere quiet, but not a car because I’m not a big fan.
Where do you see yourself in two years?
I see myself proud of what I’ve achieved at such a young age, I hope to have a few successful albums and a great fan base who appreciate my music.
How would you describe your personality?
A caring, passionate, moody, dreamy, fun person.
And your music?
It’s different, it’s real and it’s fun.
• Snow is available now on iTunes
rgarratt@thenational.ae
