February 2: Coolio at Crystal
If I hadn't been wedged between two giant cushions on a fancy couch at Dubai's super club, Crystal, I would have hit the deck when the 47-year-old announced he was a chef.
"I do a cooking show. Put out my first cook book in November 2009 and I'm working on the second now. It's fusion food. Cooking with Coolio is also my show. It's a comedy cooking show, it'll make you laugh out loud. But at the same time it's really informative. Finger-licking, rib-sticking, fall-off-the-bone-and-into-your-mouth chicken. I think my best dishes are meat."
February 24: Jay Sean
Jay Sean was a frequent date on the UAE calendar coming first in February then in November for the Formula 1 where fans went nuts at Virgin Megastore in Abu Dhabi.
"I've been taking my mum to more and more shows and it's funny because sometimes she'll nudge me and be like ‘Is all this for you?' and I go ‘Yes, mum, it is' and she's like ‘Really?' and I'll say ‘Yes, mum'," said an animated Sean rolling his eyes.
"But I love that mum and dad are like that," he added. "They are so proud of me but they haven't let it get to their heads, cos if it gets to my parents then I'm screwed," he said with a laugh.
February jazz: Lifehouse, Alison Moyet, Joshua Radin, Train and more also performed.
February 16: Jool Holland: Jazz Fest
In between welcoming some of the biggest names in music around his piano Jools Holland fit in a trip to Dubai for the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival 2011.
"Amy Winehouse will always be a guest who sticks in mind," he said when absolutely pushed on a memorable guest on his show.
"I wouldn't like to pinpoint anyone in particular because that may seem like the other weren't as interesting which is silly. The show is about interesting people otherwise they shouldn't be there. But I do remember Amy surprised me because of how utterly calm she was. She looked at me back stage and idled into conversation that her dad may come down later. "Oh great" I remembered I replied. Then on stage she just transformed into this incredibly performer. She blew me away and seemed so far from the girl in the dressing room before."
Gospel Soul Jazz singer, 41-year-old Brit Mica Paris also brought jazz. "I have always wanted to sing and be a musician because it allows me to create with musicians all over the world. Music cuts through language barriers, religions, politics and such and simply penetrates the listener regardless of race or creed."
Macy Gray UK singer songwriter offered an element of surprise with a random interview about rollercoasters.
"I love to play," said the gruff-voiced London-born diva. "Play is everything. It keeps us young and it reminds us what life is really about."
The Brand New Heavies, the legendary Roger Sanchez, Sneaky Sound System, Sander Kleinenberg, Fragma and festival favourites 2manyDJs performed at Sandance take two.
April 14
The boys from Westlife, Nicky, Kian, Mark and Shane, performed one of their last ever international dates before going their separate ways.
"The car needs a re-spray," said lead singer Shane Filan, his age the only thing allowing the cheesy metaphor to fly. "We're the same body but with a clean new look. I think that's what people want to see. They wanna see a clean new thing," he added with a cheeky Irish chuckle.
March 10
Five-time Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling artist Usher told us: "I feel like a superhero," in his best ‘Superman' voice.
"I don't know if I am, but in terms of what I have to get through on a daily basis I'm not sure there's another explanation. Only a superhero would be able to keep it going."
March 16
The beautiful and talented Sharon Corr took centre stage as a solo artist at Meydan to celebrate St Patricks's Day in style.
Oozing Irish class, the 40-year-old, explained how she started in the business. "It was seamless," she said. "My parents were both musicians apart from their daytime jobs. My mother was at home and my father an accountant - they also played at venues on the weekends. They did covers of The Eagles, The Carpenters so that was our basis. We were always immersed in music. We didn't know any different. It was kind of normal even though it was extraordinary. I remember being four and my parents were having drinks downstairs and I remember hearing this song - Mrs Robinson by Simon and Garfunkle. The little tape recorder switched off and I went downstairs and put it back on. I remember being so hugely moved by music from a very early age."
Shakira and Amr Diab: May 6, Yas Island
"I think that with fame comes an obligation and a greater sense of duty," she told tabloid! "I have always felt that the best thing I can do with my voice is use it to help others who don't have one, and to draw focus to more important issues like the right to a quality education." She knows about deprivation all too well having grown up in the extremely poor city of Barranquilla, on the Caribbean side of Colombia. "Being a militant or a drug trafficker are the only options," she said of the port where more than 50 per cent of the population live under the poverty line.
Flo Rida: XL Beach Club in March
"I use the power of music to touch people from all over the world. I give 150 per cent in entertaining my fans on stage. I love my fans. They are a blessing. I try to make music that not only entertains, but inspires people to be better."
Seb Fontaine played Dubai in March and described his least appealing backstage dressing room ever endured. "I'm lucky enough to have been in some of the most amazing backstage rooms in the world but the other end of that scale is quite horrific. Throw in a nice mix of three-day festival mud and blocked toilets and you'd rather take your chances out in the fields."
Moby: July 4 at Dubai World Trade Centre
Considered one of the most important dance music figures of the early 90s, American DJ, singer/songwriter and musician Moby talked about his new single. "The Day was written in a hotel room in Spain at dawn when I hadn't slept," he said. "It was a beautiful hotel room, a beautiful perfect hotel room and it was six or seven in the morning. I wrote it on an acoustic guitar and recorded it on my phone, brought it home and re-recorded it with old broken down electronics that I have in my studio."
Joe Cocker: May 22 at Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai
A lifetime of music was always on the cards according to Cocker - fame or not. "When I was 16 I was a gas fitter, which was a bit like a pipe fitter," he said. "But I never could think of anything other than music. It was an obsession with me, whether I ‘made it' or whatever. I would've carried on working the clubs."
Faithless: April 1, Nasimi Beach, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
The insomnia is cured and dance music giants Faithless announcing they will go their separate after their last international performance in Dubai. Faithless founder Maxi Jazz told tabloid! he was "reflecting on 15 unforgettable years".
"It's been an unbelievable journey," said the up beat front man. "I cannot wait to come to Dubai again. It's my third time, and although Dubai always seems like a place which was culturally by-passed, the crowd is always great."
Mike Skinner: March 18 Barasti Beach Bar
The Streets are no more but Mike Skinner was officially born, his trademark hip-hop, two-step garage beats certain to remain. "You can't go on forever, can you?" he told tabloid! "Next stop is Dubai and I can't wait. I could talk about the buildings and architecture and speed of the construction but I'm not going to. I remember the city had the best smoked salmon."
South African favourites Goldfish played Nasimi alongside Faithless.
"We've had so many amazing shows all over the world and it really feels like a special time for Goldfish with all the touring finally paying off...we've had some crazy shows all over from Ibiza to Brazil, US, UK, Holland and of course our home country SA. I think this show with Faithless on the Palm is going to be up there with the best though."
Maroon 5: April World Trade Centre, Dubai
His first ever performance was aged 10 at a friend's birthday party where he picked up the microphone and sang Def Leppard classic Pour Some Sugar On Me - famously produced by Mutt Lange. "I grabbed the mic and just went for it. Afterwards I knew that I've got to do this for the rest of my life. That's what got the whole ball rolling for me," he told us.
Here and Now: April Meydan, Dubai
The Dubai show saw favourites Boy George, Paul Young, stunning US singer Belinda Carlisle, The Real Thing, Curiosity Killed the Cat and last but by absolutely no means least, the brilliant Kid Creole and the Coconuts. They are icons of a decade proved they're not to be forgotten.
Wyclef Jean: F1, Abu Dhabi
"I think Shakira should run for the president of Columbia," said the former member of The Refugee Camp, or Fugees as they are better known. "I think that's where we meet. Beyond the fact that we are probably two of the most sexiest people alive on this planet, I would say that where we meet is obviously the humanitarian work. We are up there on the ‘sexy scale'. We have watched our countries suffer and even though we have a lot of wealth, there are still a lot of people who need help. The education initiative she takes, with building schools, it shows she is giving back. I think that's what I love her most for. I mean, her performance side is always incredible but to go beyond the performance to do something like this and it's even more incredible."
Ne-Yo: Chi@TheLodge, Dubai May 29
His mum's his hero, his manager the rock but fittingly it's a tale about a cup of coffee which keeps superstar Ne-Yo grounded.
"Whenever I feel things are getting away from me," he said in almost a whisper. "Beyonce is my saviour. See, when I met Beyonce for the first time I was humbled. She is such an incredible woman and a giant international superstar, yet you wouldn't know it. She is the sweetest person. So kind. But the best thing about her is she's the kind of person who would ask you how you take your coffee and then go get it for you. She wouldn't send someone else and that stays with me."
Timbaland reluctantly grunted a few words having made us wait more than three hours for the privilege. The super star rapper and producer came to Abu Dhabi in June to celebrate Al Jazira Football Club's title win in the 2010/11 Etisalat Pro League. Stars including Hussain Al Jassmi, Haifa Wehbe, also played. "I don't really have any advice for anyone," he said. "It's all in your calling. If it's in your calling it will happen for you. I can tell you ‘do this and do that' but you could come back and say I did this and it didn't work. So just pray about it. I have no advice. If you're good it will happen."
R'n'B superstar Chris Willis hit Cavalli on September 30. Best known for his collaborations with French producer David Guetta, his performance of hit singles, with their distinct mix of dance, pop and urban sounds, had the dance floor heaving in next to no time.
Chipmunk: September 23
At just 20 years old Jahmaal Noel Fyffe, or Chipmunk as a younger generation know him better, exclusively launched Teen Club Culture, an innovative social club for youngsters. "We wanted to make good music and we did it was all about the track," he said of teaming up with Chris brown. "It was a big learning experience for me. Some said they didn't wanna support the track. I had to engage my inner strength to say ‘Yo, I'm gonna go with this track. If it's from the heart then it can't go wrong."
Janet Jackson: Yas Arena
When Michael Jackson died suddenly in 2009 the world plummeted into a state of shock, for one lady the child in Michael will always live on.
"I can remember doing our chores as kids," his sister Janet told tabloid! "We would be cleaning the kitchen and while we were all working we would be writing songs. I miss his laughter."
Janet was in Abu Dhabi as part of her Number Ones: Up Close and Personal Tour.
Eliza Doolittle
Having snapped up the name of the My Fair Lady character, because it was her nickname as a child, Doolittle was determined to be discovered. Talent from the UAE on high alert, she was open to local hook ups. "Whenever I go to new countries, I love to listen out for local music and if there's something I like, I always try and get in touch," she told tabloid! "I'm looking forward to seeing new things. I never have any expectations; I always try and travel with an open mind and fresh eyes."
Fatboy Slim: F1
As a DJ, there are few bigger acts in the world than Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim.
"Music tends to be a barometer of the vibe of how the people feel. My music
taps into the celebration of escapism from troubles and worries. I' m hoping there are people who have something to celebrate.
The Script: Sandance, Nasimi Beach, Dubai. November 18
While their albums may have gone platinum in both the US and UK, you haven't made it until your song has featured on Eastenders, according to their mothers.
"For me own family they didn't actually think we'd made it until our music was played in Eastenders," he explained looking a little forlorn. "That's when they actually sat up and said "Ahh, you've made it," I was like "Oh cheers, we've just played the Aviva."
"Me Ma was the same," piped up Donoghue. "We made it to No 1 and she was like "yeah, it's a big deal" but as soon as we'd been on 90210 she was like "Ahhhh", he said throwing his hands in the air, squealing. "Everyone went crazy."
Paul McCartney: F1
McCartney, one of the UK's wealthiest people, with an estimated fortune of £475 million, has composed film scores, classical and electronic music, released a large catalogue of songs as a solo artist, and has taken part in projects to help international charities. And all without so much of a mention of a quaver or crochet.
"I took music lessons as a kid but it was all like (breaking into song) "da, di, da, di, da, da, di, da, dah - oh no, da, di, dah, di, dah, da, di, da, dah - this is boring" I couldn't stand it so there was no hint I was going to like music. But rock and roll came along and I just loved it. I got in a group which became the Beatles and it was something which just became a passion."
Quincy Jones
After all he's achieved Jones, in town to launch Bokra, the Middle East equivalent of We Are The World, still doesn't see himself as a legend.
"I don't like that," he said looking embarrassed. "I don't pay any attention to that stuff. It's not important. I tell my seven kids I wanna be their friend not their parent, you know? They keep you from getting into all that. When we started out you didn't give a damn about money or fame. Otherwise we wouldn't have been playing Be Bop because it was the most un-commercial music ever made. It helps you grow as a musician if it's not about the fame."
Futureheads: December 16 Chi @ The Lodge
One thing I will say about UK Northern rockers The Futureheads is they're full of surprises. "We're working on an album which is completely a capella…maybe we'll call it that," mused Ross while I did everything I could not to picture Sunderland's very own Il Divo. I couldn't help myself, it just came out, I had to ask. "I'd like to think we'd be amore Avant-garde than that," laughed the vocalist before speedily adding "not that those guys are awesome at what they do."
Culture Club: December 29 Dubai Tennis Stadium
Boy George describes being in a band like "being in a dysfunctional family".
A public battle against drugs, stints behind bars and controversial books, music videos and statements, George has been in as many scrapes as personas he's taken on over the years. "When you're younger you don't have an off button," laughs an eloquent George from his London base. "You allow yourself to get caught up in things which aren't necessarily important. There's a lot of drama. Then you realise you're not the most important person in the room."
Coldplay wraps things up on December 31 in Abu Dhabi
"We're getting older so we can't eat as many Mars Bars as we used to be able to," joked lead singer Chris Martin. "Kentucky Fried Chicken and Hob Nobs was our main sustenance in those days," he continued. "If you keep that up you have to waddle or be rolled on stage. Bassist Guy Berryman was in full agreement. "It used to be all burger, chips and larger to get us through a show," he said.
February 24
Jay Sean was a frequent date on the UAE calendar coming first in February then in November for the Formula 1 where fans went nuts at Virgin Megastore in Abu Dhabi.
March 26
Jessy J rocked a purple jumpsuit at The Dubai World Cup at Meydan.
March 18
Stevie Wonder told us song writing is like being in love. "You never want to stop doing it. To be in love. You never want to stop being in love. So music is another gift from my body. Being able to create music, to write it and to sing it. I just want to be able to sing about things that people are confronted with or are dealing with. I'm excited about that. I've always been excited about that," he said on his first trip to the UAE.
