Emirati music is adding a royal touch to a recently released song by Hussain Al Jassmi as the lyrics have been derived from a poem by none other than Dubai’s Crown Prince, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed. Entitled, “Darb Al She’er,” Al Jassmi collaborated with Syrian artist Assala Nasri and Saudi singer Mohammed Abdu, along with vibrant Khaleeji pop arrangements provided by Emirati composer and singer Fayez Al Saeed.
The poem itself has been written by the Emirati royal, most often referred to as Fazza, in the Nabati style of poetry. “Darb Al She’er” translates to “the path of poetry,” and is dedicated to the creative process and its challenges. The song is a 9-minute composition that celebrates the UAE and its leadership.
Translated, the song’s opening lines say, “My path and the path of poetry are one, not destined to be separated, whether its atmosphere is wrapped within clouds or dust. I wish the pen knows its limits every time it sees the paper. Had it not been for the paper, the inkwell would have wept over the pen.”
Not the first time the artists have collaborated with the Dubai royal, in 2014, Al Jassmi was part of a large cast of Emirati singers, including Ahlam, Mehad Hamad and Balqees, that performed Youm Al Ezz (Day of Pride). Sheikh Hamdan and Hussein Al Jassmi have also released a series of high-profile tracks performed by some of the biggest voices in Arab popular music including Nasri’s involvement in Rouh wa Rouh (Just Go Away), Limany Fi Mahjir Ayounak (Hold Me In Your Eyes) featuring Emirati singer Rashid Menhali, and Sahet Al Sha’ar (The Poet’s Space), with a large cast of artists led by Abdu.
