Having effortlessly transitioned into acting, Fouzia's debut film swiftly captured global acclaim, earning accolades at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival
We caught up with the singer and discussed her musical journey, how her heritage has influenced her sound and what to expect from her album which should be released next year.
Tell us about your single Love is Blind. What is it about and why did you want this to be the first single you release?
Love is Blind is the song I chose to begin my journey with. It is the reason and the proof that following one's dreams and passion is possible. This single holds a lot of positivity, joy and love. It presents a healthy way of building a relationship, and how people should treat one another. It is about love and it reflects my way of thinking about the topic.
At the moment, I am planning to issue a few more singles this year before putting together a full album in 2018. I have many messages to share with people. However, every song will have positivity, love and passion in its own unique way. I believe that many of us have really lost the meaning of humanity, and I would like to remind those that we are humans that can feel love again by following our passion and dreams while having healthy relationships. I don't plan to stick to one genre. My songs will fall under a mix of categories depending on how the message is best delivered.
Creating an album is not an easy task. It requires patience, dedication and the right people. You must have an overall message and theme in addition to a fully consolidated plan. Each song holds an impactful message that must fall under the overall theme of the album. You must find inspiration and work with the right writer, composer and producer for your album to meet the standards and taste you want to achieve. Teamwork is a key element in the mix.
When did you start singing?
I was 13 the first time that I tried to sing in front of my family. Then took it a little further during my university years where I found small events to sing at.
I have dreamed of becoming a singer since I was a child. However, I really started working on myself professionally in 2014. The reason why I came back to singing is because I could not stop thinking about it. After all, it is my passion, my dream, and I couldn't let it go.
How would you describe the Dubai music scene? What does the industry need to become more "international"?
The music scene in the UAE, more specifically in Dubai, is growing each day. We have great talent and artists who are waiting for opportunities. Since some do take their talent elsewhere, I believe we need to provide an ecosystem where artists of all kind can flourish. We need to believe in their talents, give them credit for their hard work and be supportive of their dreams. We really have all what it takes to become internationally known. From producers, writers, composers and of course performers, we just need trust, belief, and a big push from people within the industry.
Coming from a European and Lebanese family surely had an impact in my taste of music. It opened my eyes, mind and ears to accept different genres and styles and cultures. I remember listening tor Zaki Nassif, a famous Lebanese singer, in the car with dad and then when I reached home, we used to switch to jazz and even traditional Romanian music. It taught me to respect and appreciate other cultures.
I have many musical icons I look up to. I can only mention some here since my list is long. My list would include Tonny Bennett, Tom Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London, Donny Hathaway, Eric Clapton, Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, and Amy Whinehouse to name a few.
I listen to songs that attracts me or relate to me. Most of them are for Sia, Rihanna, Beyonce, Sam Smith, James Arthur, Adele, Adam Levine, Micheal Buble, Enrique, Coldplay, and Jessie J.
In my spare time, I love to style. I also love to spend time with my husband and daughter.
I have done a few performances recently, but I am planning another one soon.
I believe every artist gets nervous before a performance. But it is always useful and lasts only for a few seconds. I love the energy of the listeners and the adrenaline, and I forget all the stress and worries when I get on stage and just enjoy the moment.
In today's day and age, it is all about digital and social media. Social media has major effects on artists and how they progress. It helps beginners reach to a larger audience from all around the world, and builds a special relationship with a target audience by allowing them to follow your news. I always believe in the positive, healthy and organic way of building an audience which you can do with social sites. I prefer having a small number of real followers who believe, love, and appreciate my talent and music and the person I am today.
The music industry is a magical world. However, to get into it, you must have passion. You should stick to a plan, have patience, and be around the right people. You must never give up no matter how difficult and challenging it becomes. In the end, nothing in life comes easy, and it is all a beautiful challenge. As I always say: "Do what you love, and love what you do", because only then you'll enjoy this beautiful journey and you'll be very proud of your achievements.
Having effortlessly transitioned into acting, Fouzia's debut film swiftly captured global acclaim, earning accolades at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival
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