Hussain Al Jassmi is on a mission to bring people together. The Emirati pop star, who will take the stage alongside Emirati-Yemeni diva Balqees at a concert tomorrow for an early New Year celebration, talks about his role as an Emirati artist in an exclusive interview with The National.
You’ve been described as both an “innovative fusion artist” as well as a traditional Khaleeji pop singer. What kind of artist is Hussain Al Jassmi?
He is an artist carrying a message, delivered by his voice, directed towards the Arab audience everywhere in the world. That message has helped in creating and spreading this musical genre of Khaleeji music and Arabic fusion music. I thank God for the love and appreciation of the audience that has always stuck by me and encouraged me to keep doing better.
You have released a lot of patriotic and spiritual songs this year. What has prompted this focus? Do you think you are at risk of alienating your regional fan base as a result?
On the contrary. How can my fans be averse to my singing to and for my country and my home; a country I can never appreciate enough or do enough for no matter how much I try or how much I create? This is part of the message that I spoke of earlier, as I continue moving forward as a singer and artist – my role as an Emirati artist in particular is part of the message I’m conveying. I believe these songs, no matter how patriotic, will find their niche in a large percentage of the Arab audience, both in the UAE and across the Arab world. I take full responsibility for this artistic message that I am spreading. Through singing for my country, or for my religion, or for my emotions or my humanity, I am continuing to spread my message. Each song is presented in its rightful time and place and it feels right.
You were a popular judge on The X Factor in 2013 and mentored the winning artist. Do you ever consider returning on television on a similar show?
X Factor was a beautiful and successful experience and I won't deny that there have been many offers to repeat that experience. But, at the moment, I am not considering them as I have my own projects and plans for future works that I feel I must present to my fans soon. Additionally, I have prior commitments at the moment that I must honour, so to be honest, this particular subject is on hold.
What’s your opinion about the increasing popularity of reality TV competitions in the region and the types of careers they launch?
I think they certainly have their audience and followers, and that fact means that production companies and television channels can benefit and provide viewers with what they want. As long as there’s an audience, these programmes will be successful.
Can you tell us what to expect next from you musically and when your next album may be released?
I have not yet set a final release date for my new album, due to the climate and situation that every corner of the Arab world is experiencing right now. However, I hope and I pray that 2016 will be the year that we witness security, stability and safety – always for the UAE – and for all of the countries of the Arab world.
The reception to your single Boshret Kheir (A Good Omen), sung in the Egyptian dialect and which encouraged Egyptians to vote, has been amazing. What prompted the choice to sing this song and did you ever imagine it would become this popular, with close to 125 million views on YouTube?
The success of the song Boshret Kheir resonated among my Arab audience, despite it being geared towards Egypt, and I'm thankful for that. The choice of song was for the purpose of getting people to have a say in the choice of who will be their next leader and I felt that was a beautiful message with a strong benefit for Egypt. It appealed to me.
You have been vocal about the importance of health awareness in the UAE, especially after your own fight with obesity. What's your opinion on the current health standards in the UAE and what do you think needs to be done to raise awareness on healthy living and adopting a healthy lifestyle?
I have always felt that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body, and that a person should know himself and his capabilities, and make the time to care for his body and his health to sustain good health. You need your health to achieve everything you desire and to accomplish your goals. Our health is a blessing from God that we should care for and protect.
What can the audience look forward to during tomorrow’s concert? Plenty of your golden oldies or more of the recent releases linked to the 44th National Day?
I’ve prepared a beautiful programme for this major concert, that will be held in the capital of my country, in Abu Dhabi. The song list is varied, to keep everyone happy and I’m always hopeful that beautiful memories and a wonderful night will bring me together with my fans. I want to spread joy and happiness with my concert – that is another message I always hope to spread through my songs.
Hussain Al Jassmi and Balqees will perform tomorrow night at du Forum on Yas Island, at 7.30pm. Tickets range from Dh200 to Dh950 and can be purchased from tixbox.com
artslife@thenational.ae