He made news recently for his dramatic weight loss. However, this Ramadan, Emirati singer Hussain Al Jasmi has decided to lend his soft and melodious voice to hit Arabic TV serials such as Egyptian show Ahl Cairo (People of Cairo ), among others. tabloid! caught up with the singer who is set to perform during the Eid in Dubai concert on September 10 and in Kuwait on September 11 to talk about his future plans and what's kept him busy during Ramadan this year.
How are you celebrating Ramadan this year and what is your favourite thing about this month?
I believe that Ramadan is a time for spirituality and prayer. I dedicate a large amount of my time to partaking in Ramadan traditions — ones that I grew up learning. I ensure I spend plenty of time with family and friends, in addition to singing many religious songs which are broadcast on various radio and television channels. This has kept me close to my fans during this Ramadan.
Ramadan is known for encompassing a spirit of forgiveness and giving among people, and in your role as Goodwill ambassador for the United Nations, you are definitely partaking in that spirit. Can you tell us more about your role and what projects you are currently working on?
I consider this position to be a practical one, and not just an honorary title. I intend to be involved in many humanitarian projects, particularly through my singing career which is, I believe, one of the reasons that I have obtained this position. There are many important projects that we are working on to be implemented in the near future, and if there is a true spirit of goodwill and hard work among people, hopefully, they will be successful.
Are there any Ramadan serials that you really like?
There are so many shows being broadcast this year, it is like a TV serial marathon. You would really need a lot of patience and free time to watch everything. I've noticed that there is a huge amount of production from Syria, Egypt and the GCC this year. Personally, I make sure I watch Abwab Al Ghaym (Doorway to the Clouds) which is a very important series, and Ahl Cairo (People of Cairo), both of which feature my voice.
Speaking of Ahl Cairo, the song for the show has been a huge hit, and has arguably introduced you to a larger audience that may have been less familiar with your work. What is your impression of the song in general?
I truly felt that the song reflected the show really well, which discussed many aspects of Egyptian society, and pertained to the plot. I chose to sing for this show after looking at the script and I tried my best to ensure that I sang it in the best way I could. I'm very pleased that the song ended being one of the stars of the show, and of course led to a new success among the Egyptian public.
So now that you have achieved success not only in the UAE, but in other Arab countries as well, do you have any international ambitions?
In order to be successful internationally, one has to become solid locally and in the Arab region first, and then you are automatically propelled to international success. I currently feel that things are headed in that direction, but international stardom is not something I want instantly, rather something that I aspire to in time.
Did you know?
- Al Jasmi started his career after being launched by TV programme Layali Dubai during the Dubai Shopping Festival in 1997-1998, securing first place in the Gulf region.
- Al Jasmi is the first Arab artist to sing in the famous Lido Hall in Paris, and has performed in others theatres in Paris, London, Cannes, Geneva and Marbella.
- Each year, Al Jasmi visits and supports special needs students all over the Arab world.
