What 20 years in UAE music scene have taught singer Hamdan Abri

For over two decades, Emirati soul singer Hamdan Abri has performed professionally in the UAE, initially as a solo artist and later co-founding bands. He has learned that maintaining a steady career in the music industry involves creating one's own opportunities by balancing commercial gigs with creative pursuits like songwriting and recording original music at his own expense.

Abri emphasizes the importance of self-creation, citing how artists like the indie band Tasty Biscuits are now taking charge by promoting their own shows. His latest project, Abri and The Everlasting, features a debut album, The Healing, which was released after five years of development. The album's production and Abri's vocals reflect the uncertain times during and after the pandemic.

Abri's songwriting is inspired by his experiences, including the challenges of balancing music with personal life and the support he received, such as performing with Herbie Hancock. He has observed the growth of the UAE music scene, with more venues and opportunities for original English-language musicians, and he reflects on how his ambitions and understanding of music have evolved over the years.