based F.A.M. are the latest hip-hop music group to hit Saudi Arabia's music scene. This unique group calls itself Fabulous Ambitious Members (F.A.M.) because of the dominant self-belief that the members are both ‘fabulous' and ‘ambitious.' A little more than a year old, the group's first member meeting was entirely by coincidence during an event in Jeddah where each group member was performing a solo act. There are eight members in total - ranging between 18 and 26 years of age - though only six of them perform. Ahmed Abbas - Jerzey - is the manager of the group; Ammar Al-Fahad is the co-Manager and personal skills development trainer, Ahmed Al-Saggaf - Balla Skillz - performs the English section of the rap; Hamza Housawi - Ayzee - is the rap and blues (R&B) singer music producer and performer; Ameen Al-Malki - Raw Deep - is an English rapper and performer; Ahmed Fallatah - Black Dragon - is the leader of the dance group; Ahmed Al-Attas - Fire - is the youngest member and a dancer and Sajeer Taliha - S.J.R. - is the group's official photographer and co-producer. F.A.M.'s manager Jerzey spoke to the Saudi Gazette and indicated that - contrary to popular belief - hip-hop is an expression and a lifestyle. He is currently busy training group members on how to sing, what clothes to wear and other management-related issues. F.A.M. aims to promote a cleaner version of hip-hop in the region and to give a positive message to the Kingdom's youth. “Our mission is to entertain people with clean and positive messages through the hip-hop style,” remarked Jerzey. “Hip-hop provides valuable insights that can help people in their day-to-day lives.” F.A.M. has successfully participated in six events in Jeddah, including bazaars and competitions that have been organized by several consulates and schools, indicating that the people of Jeddah have already been exposed to the group's various talents. “The most recent event was at the Italian Consulate, where we showcased - for the first time in the region - a mix of standard Arabic comedy with music,” stated Jerzey. The group's curious mix of hip-hop dancing and rap also forms much of the appeal, and Jerzey indicates that dancing is an important medium of entertainment. “It is a body language that can be expressed through Michael Jackson's style of ‘pop', the ‘b-boy dance' and the ‘clown walk' - which depends on Dabka ( a popular dance in the region) mixed with American styles,” he explained. The rapper Balla Skillz also spoke to the Gazette and indicated that he started writing poems when he was a child, especially after he read about the hip-hop lifestyle and the style of singing. The other rapper Raw Deep explained that he was introduced to this field thanks to his mother, who encouraged him to practice and improvise on this style by catering to Arab listeners. Raw Deep also explained a bit about the group's recipe for success. “When we prepare a new song, we all share ideas and points and everyone speaks freely.” However, there is a widespread belief that Saudi society is not yet ready to accept hip-hop as a part of its culture, and F.A.M. are certainly prepared to face criticism on the clothes they wear and the way they sing. They also acknowledge that success will not be easy to achieve, and are confident that they can change popular perceptions. “We can prove to people that we can present issues from society that will benefit our children, teenagers and adults,” remarked Raw Deep. To do so, the group is taking weekly education courses teaching personality analysis, effective self-management and public relations' skills. “After three months of training, I have noticed that they (F.A.M. performers) have become more convincing performers and accept criticism more easily,” noted the co-manager Al-Fahad. What next for F.A.M.? F.A.M. is also participating in two campaigns this summer aiming to improve the lives of Saudi youth, particularly with respect to social and health-related problems. They are currently preparing their first album, consisting of 12 tracks, with help on one track by Qusai Murad from the Jeddah Legends music group, who has given them valuable tips. “Our album will include tracks where each member talks about himself and one of them talks about the recent earthquakes in the Kingdom titled “The Judgement Day”,” remarked Jerzey. “Other tracks cover serious issues like war and other global crises.” Qusai for his part, has already been established as a Saudi hip-hop artist and remarked that F.A.M. have a strong mission but need to love hip-hop and study the field itself is they want to succeed. What do people think? Faislam Al-Anaizi is an employee in the private sector and as a former fan of hip-hop, he is looking forward to F.A.M.'s work. He indicates that he lost interest in the form when Western hip-hop became steeped in the culture of profane lyrics, violence and drugs and looks forward to hip-hop that will have educational, patriotic and cultural connotations. Zainab Al-Mualim is the assistant manager for Arts 2 Arts, the compony that is sponsoring F.A.M. and speaking to Saudi Gazette, she remarked that despite F.A.M. member's personal style of baggy clothes, extravagant hair styles and aggressive nature, the important thing was that the group bring about a refreshing change to Saudi hip-hop. The group's album will be released two months after the month of Ramadan.
