(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) A REGULAR WEDNESDAY night show at Souk Al Bahar's Latin-Arab fusion lounge and restaurant Muze is a perfect setting for the Lebanese songstress Rouba.
Here we chat to her about her inspirations and messages in her tunes.
How would you describe your style of music?
Given my strong soul and jazz influences, my music tends to be very soulful and visibly linked to the music I like.
What made you take up singing? Do you have a message you try and convey?
I started singing from a very early age - I was only 5 at the time. Whilst it initially started as a therapeutic form of self-expression, it eventually evolved for me when I realised that my words had the power to influence others. I was 17 when that happened and had written a song dedicated to my mother. When I performed it at one of my gigs, there was a girl in the audience who started to cry.
I feel compelled to project strength, compassion and love through my songs. In fact, my motto is 'Truth. Strength. Love.'
My latest collaboration was with Kamal Musallam - an amazing Oud player and musician in the region. We created our own rendition of Imagine and used the song as a vehicle to spread messages of peace and unity. Music has that kind of power because if it touches a person, the impact is profound.
What is it like having a regular gig in Dubai?
I have been on the lookout for a residency in Dubai for a while now, but when MusicHall is your previous base, it's very hard to settle. I have had several offers that I rejected until Muze came up and I found major interest in their management's support of music and a lot of commitment towards establishing a reference night soul and jazz. I also liked the venue and how it revolves around a stage.
Where and with whom would you most like to perform and why?
I have always dreamt of performing with a gospel choir so that I can experience the euphoria that comes with combining prayer and music. If I was to pick an artist, I would love to resurrect Nina Simone and jam with her. She is one of my favourite artists of all time.
Do you think Dubai is suited to jazz? What does it add to the town?
I personally love jazz and wish I could dedicate an entire gig to it however; there aren't that many pure jazz fans out there and so when combined with soul and funk - which are favorite genres of mine - the overall mood of the gig becomes easier to connect with. If anything jazz is a medium through which musicians jam on stage.
It adds musicality to a very pop-oriented Dubai where every event you go to, live music sounds the same. I think people can enjoy music much more if they open their ears to jazz. The wonderful movement I'm noticing these days is jazz renditions of pop songs which is a giant leap that could possibly make audiences more receptive to jazz. The thing is that there are so many variants of jazz that people would love it if they gave it a chance.
Which is your favourite tune to begin the night?
I always like to start the night with an improvised "intro" where there is no tempo and no melody, I just sing what comes to mind, connect with the audience and then mash into the first cover of the night.
Do you have a message for the people of Dubai?
I would like to invite people to open their hearts and minds to live music in Dubai. When they find a place where the musicians put their original spin on the songs they play on stage, let them connect to it.
Don't have a conversation or fiddle with your phone: listen. This is a private concert. Music has therapeutic powers especially when you experience the journey musicians take you on!
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