Take a seat: How Jalsa is giving Abu Dhabi's emerging artists a stage

On a well-lit stage at Manarat Al Saadiyat, a single white plastic chair rests beneath the lights. To the organizers of Jalsa, it represents what their initiative aims to achieve: a space where anyone can sit down, take the mic, and be seen. Jalsa, which means gathering or sitting in Arabic, is a series of events that bring Abu Dhabi s creative community together and give local talent a platform to perform.

The concept originated during a car ride among three friends: Hamad Al Shamsi, Abdullah Al Shamsi, and Preston Dcosta, who formed Harmony Abu Dhabi, the company behind Jalsa. The trio's backgrounds span storytelling, music, and performance. Hamad, an NYUAD alumnus, is passionate about storytelling and serves as a master of ceremonies.

Preston, a pianist, drummer, and sound engineer, while Abdullah, a singer known as NotSoHuman, launched his debut single in 2023. Hamad tells The National, "We want people to shine, to find a platform in Abu Dhabi. There is so much Abu Dhabi has to offer, and we are just a drop in the ocean." To date, Jalsa has hosted four editions, attracting over 2,000 attendees, more than 100 performers, and a production team comprising more than 25 volunteers.

The four events were segmented into chapters inspired by various aspects of the UAE's identity: The Majlis, The Desert, The Sea, and The Stars, all held at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Each chapter drew from a different facet of the country's heritage. The first chapter honored the welcoming atmosphere of the traditional Emirati majlis, while the second chapter ventured into the desert, emphasizing resilience during challenging times.

The third chapter explored the UAE's connections with the wider world via the sea, and the final chapter, held last week, focused on the stars that guided journeys across both desert and sea, symbolizing dreams and aspirations. The appeal of Jalsa extends beyond its thematic diversity to the atmosphere created when the lights illuminate the stage.

"I love seeing the community coming together," says Aysha, an attendee. The platform is intentionally inclusive, catering to various levels of performers. "We have people performing for the very first time, and we even have a performer who is just three years old," Hamad adds. Performers hail from diverse backgrounds, traveling from Ghana to the UAE, South Africa, Korea, and Russia.

Lavalina, a singer and bassist, emphasizes the potential Jalsa offers to emerging artists, stating, "It gives a stepping stone to continue your journey, enabling you to pursue your dreams as a career, not just a vocation or a hobby." Currently, Jalsa operates without financial backing, with free admission. Revenue primarily comes from a small booth selling branded merchandise and local snacks.

The team aims to secure funding to expand the community and support more talent in Abu Dhabi, not limited to music, but encompassing other creative fields as well. Preston asserts, "We are against the idea of artists having to pay. We will never make the open mic a paid event because the artists have spent so much time and effort perfecting their craft."