RIYADH: Arabic music with a rock mentality? Message songs sung in Hejazi dialect? These may not be the traditional ingredients for success in Saudi Arabia, but for an independent band, they are proving to be a recipe for success.
Ana Nahn released her debut single “What Did I Do?” in 2019. It tells the story of a man who wakes up one day to find himself trending on Twitter and wondering how that happened.
The role of social media in modern society is an idea the band has returned to many times since and remains at the core of its being.
“We wanted to address current social concerns on social media or topics that are important to people who grew up in Saudi Arabia,” singer and synthesizer player Abdulmalik Zubailah told Arab News.
“And we wanted to do it without sounding preachy because we are part of this society.”
Based in Jeddah, the band also includes Maan Balila on drums, Saleh bin Saif on tabla and keyboards, as well as Saif Mufti and Shaher Karkashan, both on bass.
FASTFACTS
• Ana Nahn released her debut single “What Did I Do?” ” in 2019. It tells the story of a man who wakes up one day to find himself trending on Twitter and wondering how that happened.
• The role of social media in modern society is an idea the band has returned to many times since and remains central to its being.
“We like to think of ourselves as an alternative Hijazi music group and we sing in Arabic,” Zubailah said.
“Local musicians with a strong sense of culture can produce impactful independent music, using their culture and societal themes. »
The band’s name translates to “me and us,” which reinforces the idea that when songs talk about cultural or social issues, they mean something to everyone.
Their latest album, “Harfiyan,” which means “literally” in Arabic, paints a portrait of how internet users, in their quest to impress others, can sometimes lose their identity.
But not all songs convey such an important message. The song “Ginger, Honey and Lemon,” for example, is a warm homage to the titular tonic that many Saudis consider a panacea for all ills.
“The message of the song is not that we are trying to eliminate the use of ginger, honey and lemon. It’s more of a humorous song that talks about some of the remedies we knew growing up and some that are now being promoted on WhatsApp,” Zubailah said.
The group mainly performs in their hometown, at venues like the Jeddah Hub, Virgin Megastore, The Music Space, Makan Music Center and The Basement, to name a few. But they were also seen at Bohemia in Alkhobar, Syrup Lounge in Riyadh and Sama Abha in Abha.
“The local scene is growing,” Zubailah said.
Although he is encouraged by the support provided by industry bodies in the Kingdom, the independent music scene still has a long way to go, he added.
“I think it’s a wonderful step that the Saudi Music Commission is promoting emerging talents because there are so many.
“We are not used to promoting local talent and I think we are still far from developing a truly authentic music scene. »
Independent music is a very emerging scene in Saudi Arabia, but the relaxation of entertainment regulations has helped its growth.
Music platform Anghami even offers a dedicated “Saudi Indie” category to reflect its growing popularity among young people.
Ana Nahn’s music is also available on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music.
