Dubai's Flourishing Music Scene - Hamdan Al-Abri
Get to know some of the best upcoming talents in Dubai's local music scene.
Arbi Collage with Mostyn Rischmueller & Adriano Konialidis by Abri by AbriDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Hamdan Al-Abri
A singer/songwriter born in Dubai and a pioneering presence in the evolution of original music in the region. He took to singing at an early age and gained vital experience working alongside various groups and bands in Dubai and abroad, since 2005.
Arbi Collage with Mostyn Rischmueller & Adriano Konialidis by Abri by AbriDubai Culture & Arts Authority
The two albums ('Sunchild' & 'Blank Notes') released by ‘Abri and the band’ gathered wide acclaim and paved the way to his tour of India, Bahrain, UK, the Maldives and the UAE.
Performing alongside legends such as Sting, Sade, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Erykah Badu, Ziggy Marley, Arrested Development, Kanye West and Joss Stone.
In 2011, Abri went solo with his self-titled debut EP. Its five divergent tracks took a closer look at the question of life, love and death.
The poignant single ‘(Re)birth’ was aired on the hit US TV show ‘C.S.I.’ (Season 12, Ep. 3) and ‘Falling’ was aired on Sarah Michelle Gellar’s new TV show ‘Ringer’ (Season 1, Episode 7).
Abri founded his music on soul music but allowed him to be influenced by the likes of David Bowie, Bjork and Radiohead. So there's a bit of reggae, funk and other types of music in his creations, besides soul.
Abri on Stage Perfomence by Abri by AbriDubai Culture & Arts Authority
The major projects of Hamdan Al-Abri include 'Abri & Funk Radius', 'Abri & The Dream Fleet', ‘Mallam’ (the album with Elie Afif) and his solo effort.
Abri recently released another single called Higher (Breathe Easy) and is currently collaborating on another project called 'Abri &The Everlasting’.
Abri reminisces that in the early 2000s, there weren’t many places in Dubai to showcase the original music they created.
He observes that there are many more platforms and venues as the government is supporting local artists to create and promote their music.
Abri with Artist Sade by Abri by AbriDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Abri has performed the opening act for legendary artists like Sade (pictured above), Sting, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Kanye West and Joss Stone.
Abri on Stage Perfomence by Abri by AbriDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Abri founded his music on soul music but there is also a bit of reggae, funk and other types of music in his creations.
Arbi Collage with Mostyn Rischmueller & Adriano Konialidis by Abri by AbriDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Abri and the Dreamfleet is a collaborative project initiated with Mostyn Rischmueller & Adriano Konialidis, producers and musicians in their own right.
