Dubai: From singing at her school graduation party to singing in an operetta watched by thousands, Manal's talent of singing has gained her more than just the recognition of her family and friends.
Manal Ali Ahli, a 16-year-old Grade 10 Emirati pupil at Princess Haya School, was approached to sing a part of the Kulluna Khalifa song, which was performed on stage on December 1 as part of a main celebration of the 39th National Day in Dubai.
Manal does not have a trainer, but loves to sing on her own. "I usually just sing along with the songs I keep listening to on my iPod. But I have not really received any kind of professional training," Manal said.
"I started singing at the age of six when we had a school play and I sang a part in it. I also sang in my graduation party at my previous school and that was recorded on a CD," she said.
Manal's music teacher had chosen her to sing the graduation song. "I was embarrassed and also had stage fright when I did that," she said. Manal said she had also performed at a function in Dubai Police Academy, after which a woman who was attending the function approached her to sing a part in the Kulluna Khalifa song. Pulling off the Kulluna Khalifa performance, however, was not an easy task to do.
"She came to my school and asked whether I would be interested in taking part. I agreed thinking If I have a chance then why not take it. She took me to the organiser, who asked me to sing something for him so he can decide and also asked me whether I had stage fright," Manal recalled.
She found the first professional singing experience "very hard" because she could not catch the song's exact rhythm.
No stage fright
"I was asked to sing in a higher note than what I usually sing. I wanted to do it my way, in a softer tone. What was more stressful was that we had only two days to do the rehearsals and practice for the performance," she said.
Despite that stress, on the day of the performance, and when she appeared on stage, Manal had something else on her mind.
"I was more concerned about small details like how is my hair looking or I might fall on my face while getting on the stage. I did not have any stage fright this time, but I was thinking about what will go wrong. I wanted everything to be perfect," she said.
Manal said her performance was admired by many people and even her school peers who did not know she could sing. "Although I am being noticed more, I am still not considering singing as a career. It is my hobby at this point. I think I am good, but I can be better, especially that my voice needs more training," she said.
She said another factor which keeps her hesitant about singing is the fact that the culture and the people here do not take seriously enough people's potential to sing.
"I think most people here do not believe in singing or encouraging the local talent. Yet I feel, if I become a singer, I will touch more people's hearts and can also help inspire more young people," she said.
Manal, who was accompanied by her mother during the interview, said she felt her mother supported her more than her father when it came to singing.
"My mum is more by my side because I am closer to her. My dad does not have anything against singing. He is proud of me, but I guess he does not really show that. I can feel it because he listens to the song I sang for Kulluna Khalifa on a CD in his car," she said.
Charelle, Manal's mother and a teacher at the American Academy School for Girls, grew teary-eyed when she spoke about her daughter.
Charelle, an American married to Emirati, said she shared a special bond with her daughter.
Local talents
"As a mother it is rewarding to see my daughter excel in something she likes. I always have tears in my eyes when I see her succeed. I encourage my kids to do their best at whatever they like. Manal makes me proud as a mother. We are more like friends," she said.
On where Manal could have got the fondness for music and singing, Charelle said: "I love music. I grew up with parents who would listen to the 50's and 60's songs.
There was constantly music playing around me," Charelle said she would like to see more institutions such as specialised schools that accommodate local talents and nurture them.
Ali, Manal's father, Who is a manager at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), told Gulf News he did not really believe his daughter could take her talent this far.
"I was surprised! Singing is okay as long as Manal's education is not interrupted or distracted, as that [her education] tops the list.
"If Manal can take both [singing and excelling in her education] that is fine, but if not, then education is the priority," he said.
Manal shared the same thought.
"I am thinking more about my education and studies currently and not as much about singing.
"But if something comes my way, I will do it," she said.
What Manal likes
On her iPod, Manal likes to listen to and sing mostly pop and R and B music. Her favourite singers include Rihanna, Neyo, Chris Brown and Chris Daughtry. One of her favourite songs is ‘Love the way you lie' by Rihanna and Eminem. Besides her singing talent, Manal writes short poems, loves to draw and plays basketball and volleyball.
