In the session moderated by media figure Hussein al Ameri, and in the presence of HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and Khoula Al Mujaini, Director of Fairs and Festivals, SBA, the Saudi singer thanked the Authority for organising the important cultural event, noting that Sharjah is home to arts. He noted that the emirate supported him in his early years, and that he had performed a concert in Sharjah in 1974 as part of a tour that also included Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah. The Oud artist also said that he hoped to take part in future editions of SIBF.
Abadi Al-Johar, a renowned oud player who has composed around 50 albums since he began his musical career in 1968, said that his musical journey began at an early age at 14 when he got the opportunity to fill in for an absent musician. This led to a meeting with Talal Maddah, one of KSA’s most renowned musicians and composers, and eventually paved the way for the signing of his first contract at the age of 14.
GCC arts
Al Johar said he was honoured by many Arab countries and collaborated with many Emirati artists and poets, noting that he sang a poem written by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
He told the audience that even at the beginning of his career, he was keen on producing authentic tunes to create his own unique musical style. He advised the youth to work and study hard, noting that countries across the GCC are making great efforts to support diverse art forms.
Under the request of fans, Al Johar performed a selection of his successful tunes that brought great joy to the SIBF audience.
Abadi Al-Johar’s musical repertoire includes compositions for dozens of artists in the GCC and Arab world, including the late singer Talal Maddah, Egyptian Najat Al Saghira, Moroccan Samira Said and Syrian Asala.
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