Soundbites: Ash Hamman’s new single

Born in Nigeria, raised in the UK and the US and currently based in Dubai, Ash Hamman is a microcosm of the ‘melting-pot’ culture that has developed in the Emirate. There is no better reflection of this diversity than his music, combining hip hop, soul and pop while staying true to his R&B roots creating a musical identity he can call his own. After ten years in the industry, he’s got a production company and record label, Immaqul8 Entertainment; performed with Akon, Usher, 50 Cent and Kanye West and nabbed a top 10 spot on the MTV World Charts with I’m Sorry. Next up is his new single, Thirsty 4 U out on August 25.

What can we expect from this new single?

My new material in general is way more mature and real, in every way. My genre still remains R&B, soul and hip hop, but this time I’m experimenting with sounds, styles, lyrics and a whole lot else. My new single Thirsty 4 U is a song based around passion and sensuality, appreciating a woman’s beauty and paying attention to every single detail physically and emotionally. It’s definitely more grown-up than my previous record, and you’ll notice over time that this is consistent with all of my forthcoming material. Hopefully the fans are receptive to it.

For your past music videos you’ve taken a leading role in their production. How involved were you in the production of this video?

As far as the production of my videos or any artists we work with is concerned, I’ll always be involved to an extent. Apart from the fact that I’m an artist, I also run an entertainment and production company/record label called I.M.Q – Immaqul8 Entertainment. So we do corporate videos, music videos, commercials, etc. The whole process of conceptualisation and planning is based on total team work. Each one of us has a role to play and everyone brings forth their own unique ideas and input. Hanoz Navdar is the creative director. He takes these ideas and converts them to the final visuals that you see. He is also the biggest critic. Osman Manir assists with his animation and I.T. skills. Aleksandra, one of the toughest in the team, puts it out there for the world to see with the support of Lujain, the second biggest critic. The I.M.Q family is a cocktail of multicultural ‘wowness’. You’ll never find more polarising personalities working together with each other.

Is an album in the pipeline?

Thirsty will definitely lead up to an eventual album in the near future. However, as of now, new songs are still being worked upon. There are a few follow up tracks I can’t wait to put out, all in good time. I’m very excited for the forthcoming releases. Some creative new music videos are also being conceptualised. Our aim is to try and push the boundaries a little more with each new project, bring something fresh to the table.

Who/what are your biggest inspirations?

I’m very much inspired by my surroundings, people, nature, life and God. My musical inspirations are Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and the greats.

To many of us ‘Dubaians’ the concept of ‘home’ is a complex one. Where do you consider home?

Dubai actually is home for me, a lot has happened here in my life. My business and my career are here in Dubai. I’ve built a livelihood here, a company, a family that is my team and so much more. So yes, I definitely do consider Dubai as my home, as of now at least.

As an ambassador of the Emirates Arthritis Foundation, you are obviously quite heavily involved in charitable work. Do you have any recent or planned charitable ventures to report?

I’ve actually been hoping to organise a charitable event but I’d like to do it when I’m able to do it right. Unfortunately, corporate and artistic responsibilities haven’t allowed me to focus much on anything else lately. But I definitely plan on going through with it once I’m able to dedicate enough time and resources to the project.

Finally, do you have any advice for musicians based in Dubai looking to follow your footsteps?

We live, learn and hopefully progress. One thing I’ve come to realise is what’s meant to be will be at the right time and place. As an individual and artist, you have to learn to take your time and grow in whatever you do and always try to push the boundaries of what has already been done. You need to be honest and realistic to yourself as it’s very easy to get carried away. Know your strengths and weaknesses as an artist and use that knowledge to your favour. Don’t settle for mediocrity or get comfortable with what little fame you may achieve along the way. It requires time, persistence, growing a thick skin, a ridiculous amount of passion for the art, and prayers. And most importantly, stay true to yourself.

Like I’ve always said, we all have the choice to ‘pay now, play later or play now and pay later’. Do what’s right.