A Dubai-based Lebanese singer has got 30,000 hits on YouTube within a week for her debut Arabic single Marrat.
Rouba, a mother of two and heads a media firm, told XPRESS: “[The song] Marrat, which means ‘sometimes’, is about how people, priorities change. It is one of the first songs I wrote and is very close to my heart.”
The Arabic single is from her all-English album Mama’s Back due for release in October.
“I find that a lot of songs these days are only about a hit — they lack melody and depth.
“You remember some of the old numbers for years, but you cannot relate to most of the new songs these days,” said the singer.
Rouba believes the only way to make music soulful is to be original.
She said Arabic music has also been affected by excessive commercialisation.
“Today, there are very few people who are writing their own lyrics. We need to educate our listeners to add depth to their music.
“As a singer I feel it is my responsibility to do so.”
The 38-year-old singer says that music has become such an integral part of her life that she cannot do without it. “I have a day job, but when I am with my music, it is as if I am relaxing. I am really happy I am able to manage both the jobs along with my family and two kids.”
Rouba, who started her journey in music at the age of seven, took a 10-year sabbatical from music before returning with live performances and the new album.
For her next album she is planning a live music effect. “Instead of relying heavily on technology, I want to bring live instruments to my listeners.
“That is one of the ways I feel you can add depth to your music.”
By Shveta Pathak, Staff Reporter
