remix qatar
Fahad Al kubaisi Master of Tunes 42
I
ON A HIGH NOTE With his film debut, Fahad is set to take his music career to new heights.
n December 2006, he took center stage at the spectacular Asian Games closing ceremony. Just a year earlier he had released his hit album Laish? (Why?), which firmly put him on the successful trajectory that landed him his gig with James Horner, singing the opening track of Black Gold. For Fahad, to record with someone as legendary as Horner – Titanic, Troy, Avatar – is the most important milestone of his career. He also recorded a traditional Bedouin song, along with Qatari composer Abdulla Al Mannai, for the film. “It was an exceptional experience. The first time I’ve been involved in something of this magnitude... to not only sing a movie score, but to make my debut at this level, in this environment,” he gushes. As important as the opening score was the Bedouin number he recorded. “I am really happy to share with the world, especially the West, something about our culture. The song is a pure Bedouin melody and I am proud to have shared this with those not familiar with our culture. And am pleased to have the opportunity to do so through Horner,” he says. Fahad has always loved music, and started singing while still in primary school. But he took it up as a profession after he finished his studies in 1997, when he had his first stage performance. “I did not formally train in music, or study it at university level. But I took some courses with talented musicians and also had the privilege of private tutelage to evolve and enhance my skills.” His dream – to remain unrealized – is to share the stage with the late Umm Kulthoum, the Arab world’s most celebrated voice. Of the living, he looks up to Mohammed Abdu. He shares a bond of with fellow Khaleeji singers whom he greatly admires, and collaborates with musicians from the region. Black Gold, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud and starring Antonio Banderas, Mark Strong, Tahar Rahim and Freida Pinto, was the opening night extravaganza at the year’s Doha Tribeca Film Festival. His compatriots gathered in large numbers not only to enjoy the star-studded film, but also to cheer on a voice they love and embrace. Fahad has a few more projects in the pipeline, including stage shows and albums, but is not quite willing to reveal the details. Yet.