The Lebanese songstress Carole Samaha is coming to the capital on a high note.
She showcased her almost operatic vocals during a European tour earlier this year, which included an Amsterdam date, where she was backed by an 80-piece Dutch orchestra.
“That was a huge moment for me and I am so happy I did it,” she says. “To play to an audience music that they are not used to but enjoy is a beautiful feeling. It really shows that Arabic music is not only for this region. Just like western music, it also has something to offer.”
Samaha will once again demonstrate the potential of Arabic pop to entertain as well as evoke deep emotions when she performs on Thursday night, November 20.
Triggered by a love for theatre, Samaha’s career began in Lebanon with small parts in plays and on television. It was only after she went under the tutelage of the famed composer Mansour Rahbani in 1999 that she came into her own as a music talent.
With a style that blends vocals with dramatic performances, Samaha's career immediately gained traction and she went on to release five successful albums full of orchestral pop hits, including Khallik Behalak and Wehyatak.
Samaha, who is known for being a perfectionist, says intense rehearsals are underway with her band to prepare for Thursday’s concert.
“Performance is my focus,” she says. “I take that seriously. When I play shows overseas, I give myself a lot of time to practise with the band before I take the stage. I want to be sure that I am doing the best that I can in terms of preparation before I perform.”
When it comes to her role as a newly-wed, Samaha says marriage has taken the edge off being a touring artist.
“Life has not changed totally,” she says. “I guess that’s the point of being married. It’s not for that person to change you, but support you in what you are doing. I feel blessed in that I found someone who understands me and what I do.”
Tamer Hosny
A UAE favourite, Hosny frequently performs in both the capital and Dubai. The Egyptian singer makes his Abu Dhabi Formula One return on Thursday, having performed to nearly 10,000 people during 2011’s Beats on the Beach. Those who were there know that Hosny is a charming performer and indulges in witty exchanges with the crowd.
A versatile artist, Hosny makes sure his music caters to as large a crowd as possible – his biggest hits are a mix of romantic ballads, pop hits and the occasional nasheed. Lately, he has been focusing on the international market with some high-level collaborations such as with Snoop Dogg on the track Si L Sayed. He is also reportedly working on a new international-themed album featuring collaborations with Akon and Pitbull.
Fayez Al Saeed
The sole Emirati on the bill, the 40-year-old Fayez Al Saeed has been steadily building a stellar career courtesy of a string of consistent albums. The Khor Fakkan-born Al Saeed was discovered in his early 20s with his stirring take on the patriotic song Oyoun Al Fajr – it went on to become his debut track in 1996. Since then, Al Saeed has released more than half a dozen albums featuring his sweet blend of Khaleeji pop and elegant balladry.
The singer has also become an in-demand songwriting talent – he has composed for big Emirati names such as Hussein Al Jasmi and Ruweida Al Mahrouqi. Al Saeed recently joined MBC’s Platinum Records as a music scout with the aim of finding the next generation of Gulf talent.
“Sometimes it is the type of language we use in the Khaleeji songs that limits some of the artists,” he said recently during the label’s relaunch in Abu Dhabi. “As well as producing top-quality music, I want to work with the artist to create songs and lyrics that are accessible to the masses.”
