What 20 years in UAE music scene have taught singer Hamdan Abri
After more than 20 years as a professional musician in the UAE, whether recording and performing as a solo artist or co-founding several bands, Emirati soul singer Hamdan Abri has come to realise that longevity is all about creating your own opportunities. This means balancing commercial work, including cover gigs and private performances, with the less financially rewarding creative pursuits of…
Emirati soul singer Hamdan Abri, who has spent over two decades in the UAE music scene, has discovered that success is about creating your own opportunities. Balancing commercial gigs with creative pursuits like songwriting and original performances is key, he says.
Abri recently released his debut album, The Healing, with his band Abri and The Everlasting. The album, a blend of soul, psychedelic rock, funk and reggae, emerged after a five-year gestation period during which the live events industry was rebuilding after the pandemic.
The album's title reflects Abri's personal and collective healing, capturing the uncertainty and eventual reconnection with others after Covid-19 lockdowns. He believes music helps people navigate both individual and shared challenges.
Abri's career has spanned collaborations and solo work. With keyboardist Julian Symes, he formed the band Sunchild, releasing albums in the early 2000s and performing across the UAE and Europe. Abri's solo work includes collaborations with artists like Sade and Erykah Badu.
He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, crediting it for reigniting his passion for writing and making music. Performing with Herbie Hancock at the 2014 Abu Dhabi Festival was a nerve-wracking experience, but Hancock's reassuring words helped Abri relax and trust his fellow musicians.
Abri has seen significant changes in the UAE's music scene, including more venues and commercial opportunities for original English-language artists, echoing his early struggles to find work and prove his talent. Now, he feels blessed to continuously learn and grow as an artist, finding inspiration in fellow musicians and non-musicians alike.
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