One of a kind

Try typing ‘Emirati artists singing in Hindi’ into Google and only one man’s name will appear. Adel Farooq explains his decision to release a Bollywood album

smartly dressed Adel Farooq has to take the crown as being one of the most unique singers in the UAE. Not only is he Emirati born and bred, he has been vice captain of the UAE cricket team, a banking fraud expert, a successful entrepreneur and now has decided to take an unconventional career direction and sing exclusively in Hindi on his first album, Daastaan.

Daastaan, available in most music outlets now, is a collection of well-written traditional Hindi songs with a contemporary twist. No doubt a few reading this are scoffing at the thought of someone outside of South Asia releasing credible tracks in a genre that is dominated by homegrown artists. However, with Adel’s professional ear, superb mastering of Hindi and Urdu and respect for the art form, its traditions and inspirations, Daastaan is a triumph that could easily rival the majority of commercial Indo-Pakistani albums out there today.

In the beginning

Adel grew up in Dubai and led a typical Emirati life. He was not raised in a particularly musical or artistic family nor was he given formal music lessons as a child. He grew up with an appreciation of music and often sang, as many do, at home alone or put on little shows for his relatives. It was not until he moved to Pakistan that his love of music blossomed.

Whilst studying abroad Adel discovered Urdu poetry. Already fluent in Arabic and English, his Urdu and Hindi improved vastly, so much so that many now believe him to be a native of the sub-continent and are taken back when they discover his origins. The works of renowned poet Mirza Ghalib became a constant reference point during his time at university. Adel would study the techniques of Ghalib and also listen to his ghazals to become further ingratiated with the craft of putting together Indian music.

Upon his return to the UAE Adel’s first thought, however, was not to become a musician. Despite his love affair with music his degree in banking was put to good use and he became a consultant tackling financial fraud. Adel’s extra curricular activities did not halt completely though. He had a brief stint as the vice-captain of the UAE’s cricket team before entering the workforce and carried on playing afterwards until time constraints forced him to give it up.

A move into music

Life in the financial world was both fulfilling and successful for Adel. He managed to put his talents to good use and was highly recommended in his field around the country. Yet, he revealed there was always something nagging at him to sing.

“I was good at my job and I didn’t think about singing for a long time, but I felt there was something missing,” Adel told us recently. “It wasn’t until my company and I parted that I gave it serious though again.”

Just over a year ago Adel found himself at a loose end. Never one to be deterred from making the best of things he decided not to rest on his laurels and make things happen for himself.

“The idea of singing came back and one day I announced I was going to record an album.”

Just like that Adel set to work writing songs. He had been working on one in his spare time for a few years, honing it until he was happy. This original was in Hindi and therefore he decided to complete the rest of the album in the same language.

“Hindi and Urdu were the languages that most appealed to me for my debut disc for a couple of reasons. Firstly I had the knowledge of the techniques involved and secondly, from a marketability point of view, type into Google ‘Emirati singer’ and you get loads of results. Type in ‘Emirati who sings in Hindi’ and you only get me.”

Album issues

Once the songs were written the album was put together and recorded in Dubai in less than 15 days, a feat Adel is very proud of. Each song aims to convey an emotional story and two are collaborations with local artists.

“Atif Ali sings on the song Awaan and is a very close friend. Roshni Kumar is a young girl who I discovered when I was taking part in a talent show last year. She is Indian and really knows the classical style. Her part on the remix of the track Dooba makes the song.”

Throughout the album one gets the sense of occasion in each track. There are upbeat numbers and some more solemn tunes, but each is performed with a great amount of sincerity and attention to detail.

Reaction to Daastaan has been favourable to say the least. It went on sale last month and sold out at Adel’s local Spinneys within a few days. New shipments have been ordered all over town as not only those that speak Hindi wish to hear the music, Emiratis also want to listen and support one of their own doing something extraordinary.

“I think the greatest compliment for me is that my family and friends bought the CD,” Adle stated. “They could have got copies for free but they gave over their money because they enjoy what they hear. Everyone has been so supportive because I think this CD embodies the UAE spirit: it is a cultural crossover.

“I hope those that hear the record hear the feeling I put into it and the dedication I have for the music. Everything I do has the strength of my experiences behind it, not all of them nice experiences, but things that have happened to me.”

A look ahead

Adel hopes that this will be the first of many albums and that a few in other languages are on their way. He is currently shooting videos for tracks on the CD and plans to tour in the near future, but for now the promotion of Daastaan and its message is his sole aim.

“I hope I shall have success with this album and don’t want to look too far into the future. Life deals you many things and the only thing to do is roll with them and make the most of every moment,” he concluded.

david@khaleejtimes.com

• City Times