FOR the very first time in Saudi Arabia, “Khaleeji” (Gulf region) music - represented by Mahmoud Al-Shafie - and the hip-hop style - performed by the Black Royalty band - is being combined to create an innovative and unprecedented new song. The song aims to be a national tribute to commemorate the return of Crown Prince Sultan on his return from his successful surgery earlier this month. This unusual ‘national tribute' is titled “Resalat Hobb” (A message of compassion) and is dedicated to an individual who is regarded as an icon within the royal family. The song will be accompanied by a music video that is currently being shot and will become available on most Arabic channels by the end of the month. Saudi Gazette met with the entire creative team behind the ‘national tribute' while they were busy shooting some scenes for the music video at Grand Prix Cafe in Jeddah. Joe Werde, a member of Black Royalty and the lead vocalist, talked about the song's journey and remarked that such a musical creation was unique because it represented a fresh fusion of traditional and classical Arab music with purely Western forms like rap. “By presenting a ‘national' song in such a way, we intended for it to appeal to the Saudi youth,” he said. “You know that most national songs are imbued with classical clichés, which hardly appeal to young listeners today. However, this message of loyalty that we have created for Crown Prince Sultan, tries to keep with the times and have the tendency of a national song as well.” Mahmoud Al-Shafie remarked that he was motivated to take part in such a unique project because of the cooperation and mutual musical understanding he experienced with the hip-hop band, noting that the band actually understood his classical style of music. “I discovered a completely different side of the hip-hop form, which compared to the popular version, is devoid of profanity,” he said. Al-Shafie expressed confidence that his participation in this project would not signal his departure from the classical music scene, but stressed that it was definitely a shift toward a more pragmatic style of making music. “I am still holding on to my khaleeji style, but I also believe in including some new and fashionable influences,” he remarked. Safa Al-Abbadi, the director of the music video and the manager of the video-producing company Star Point Production noted that the shooting of the clip was to take place in three different locations, including the Cafe itself, Red Sea Mall and at the Society for Handicapped Children, of which Crown Prince Sultan is a patron. It is worth noting that the lyrics of “Resalat Hobb” have been composed by the well-known poet Hamad Al-Asmari and the song is mixed and edited by Thamer Al-Mogharbel at the famous Saudi pop singer Khalid Abdul Mannan's studio. The song itself promises to be a treat for listeners and viewers alike, and if it proves to be a successful new musical flavor, it will be interesting to see it take center-stage on an international stage. – SG All photographs were taken on location at the Grand Prix Cafe in Jeddah. __
