Hussain Al Jassmi. Photo: Instagram/@7sainaljassmi
Bringing royal affair to Emirati music, Hussain Al Jassmi has released a new song with lyrics derived from Dubai’s Crown Prince HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed’s poems. Titled “Darb Al She’er,” the song brings together the Emirati singer, as well as Syrian artist Assala Nasri and Saudi singer Mohammed Abdu, along with vibrant Khaleeji pop arrangements provided by Emirati composer and singer Fayez Al Saeed. Under the royal’s pen name Fazza, “Darb Al She’er” has been written in the Nabati style of poetry. Translating to The Path of Poetry, the song is an ode to the creative process with all of its insights and challenges. The nine-minute composition celebrates the UAE’s dynamism and leadership.
Assala photographed by Hassan Hajjaj
“My path and the path of poetry are one, not destined to be separated, whether its atmosphere is wrapped within clouds or dust,” the song opens, continuing, “I wish the pen knows its limits every time it sees the paper. Had it not been for the paper, the inkwell would have wept over the pen.”
This is not the first time the trio has collaborated with Sheikh Hamdan. In 2014, Al Jassmi was part of a large cast of Emirati singers, including Emirati singers Ahlam, Mehad Hamad and Balqees, that performed Youm Al Ezz (Day of Pride). Sheikh Hamdan and Al Jassmi have also released a series of high-profile tracks performed by some of the biggest voices in Arab popular music. Highlights include Nasri’s involvement in Rouh wa Rouh (Just Go Away), Limany Fi Mahjir Ayounak (Hold Me In Your Eyes) featuring Emirati singer Rashid Menhali, and Sahet Al Sha’ar (The Poet’s Space), with a large cast of artists led by Abdu.
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