Ten years ago, it might have been unthinkable for a musician to become a household name before they released their first album.
But with talent competitions rising in popularity around the world, more and more artists are winning the hearts of the public even before they step foot in the studio.
The proof is in the pudding, and in this case, the pudding is the sharp upward trajectory of Mohammad Assaf’s career.
Crowned the winner of the second season of television programme Arab Idol in 2013, Assaf was propelled into the spotlight at a startling pace. Within a few weeks on screen, he was a widely-loved figure around the Arab world, both for what he represented politically — he is now a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) — and for his ability to sing renowned Middle Eastern folk songs as if they were written with his timbre in mind.
On October 15, Assaf will release his much-anticipated eponymous debut album.
His first foray into creating an album, a cohesive piece of original music, must be a daunting one. High expectations can be a double-sided sword, after all. Diehard fans will support him even if the album is just 45 minutes of wordless humming, but people might have come to expect a certain sound and feel from the 25-year-old that he now has to live up to.
But, to his favour, he approaches all his opportunities with a sense of disarming humility. Speaking to tabloid! in June, Assaf opened up about his nostalgia for home and simpler times playing cards and drinking tea with his friends, when he wasn’t Mohammad Assaf of Arab Idol, but simply Mohammad Assaf, son of Gaza. His openness and commitment to his roots will certainly bleed into his music and make it all the more likeable.
His happiest moments, he admitted, were those spent singing on stage. And now, he will have 11 brand new tracks to scribble onto his live set list, including La Wayn Brouh, Taah Neaad, Mtfareen, Away Haghani and Ward Al Assayel, the last of which is a traditional Palestinian song, a style that Assaf became famous for.
But make no mistake. His debut album is neither the beginning nor the end of Assaf’s career. Instead, the release comes smack in the middle of his already bustling schedule and plentiful successes. The star was nominated for an MTV EMA (Europe Music Awards) in the category of “Best Middle East” artist (with results to be announced on November 9), and will be performing in the capital’s du Arena on November 20 as part of the Yasalam after-race concert series.
Last month, on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he took a moment out of his busy calendar to tell tabloid! how he feels about being nominated for an MTV award, and what we can expect from his upcoming album.
Q: How did you feel when you found out you were nominated for an MTV EMA?
A: A feeling of pride came over me, and that’s because I know the value of an MTV EMA award in the music industry, and what it means for me to be nominated for one. At the same time, I felt a big responsibility thrust upon me seeing as I’ll be competing to represent the entire Middle Eastern entertainment industry.
Q: Do you think you’ll win the award this year?
A: Just having been chosen to compete for the Asian title is considered an achievement to me, and that’s for two reasons. First of all, because an MTV EMA, like I mentioned, represents large value, entertainment-wise, as it is the most significant European award and one of the most significant awards worldwide. Secondly, because I’m still on the beginning of my musical journey, as Arab Idol shot me into a world of fame and celebrity. And on top of that, I still consider myself in a place of building and learning from trial. For that, I consider being chosen to participate and compete for a global award of this scale an achievement in and of itself, and an opportunity to gain a lot of experience, regardless of the final result.
Q: If you were to win, who would you thank in your speech?
A: It’s too soon to talk about winning — as they say, everything has its time. But I always direct my gratitude toward the programme Arab Idol and everyone who works to make it happen, as it was the platform that introduced my talent to people and supported me and opened the doors of popularity to me.
Q: What’s the latest news on your upcoming album, Assaf?
A: I prefer leaving this to my marketing manager at Platinum Records, as they know best the time to announce our upcoming plans with regards to any song, album, concert or tour… and lest we forget that we’re still basking in the success of the World Cup song ASSAF #360, wherein I was the first Arab artist to perform at the opening of the 64th Fifa Congress party.
Q: What can fans can expect to hear on the new record?
A: I promise them happy surprises that serenade the ears and the hearts, God willing.