DUBAI: From Saudi comedians to Irish DJs, here are four stars to keep an eye on this month.
Rasha Nahas
‘Amrat’
The Palestinian singer-songwriter dropped the title track from her upcoming sophomore album earlier this month, accompanied by a video shot in her hometown of Haifa. “Amrat” is her first Arabic-language album and is billed as “a therapeutic journey back to her roots.” The track, Nahas says in a press release “symbolizes a choice to hold on to how things are before they slip away.”
Moayad
‘Theeb’
The Saudi comedian, actor and rapper’s upcoming debut album is Saudi label MDLBEAST’s first venture into hip-hop. This first single from the LP is, according to a press release, “written as an homage to both Arabic poetry and rap music.” “For a long time, I’ve felt this need to celebrate the poetic heritage of this part of the world,” the 35-year-old artist says in the release. “To do so now, and through hip-hop, I see as a perfect synergy.”
Dareen Barbar
‘Basma’
Barbar is a Lebanese athlete who lost a leg to cancer when she was just 15. She has taken her inspirational story as the basis for her first foray into music, a track released by Universal Music, which finds Barbar rapping her story. “Basma,” she says in a press release, “reflects everything I am today, my power and positive energy. I really hope my voice will reach everyone out there.”
Shaun Warner
‘Resuscitation’
The UAE-based Irish DJ and producer’s third album is his most personal work yet, written following the collapse of his marriage and the death of two close friends. Like his two previous LPs, it features numerous collaborations, and the variety of moods reflects his personal ups and downs. The title, he says, “refers to me finally feeling like I’m coming back to life.”
