Billboard Arabia has revitalised the music of an iconic Saudi trailblazer in a special edition of its video series, "Jalsat Billboard Arabia". The series, which launched in February 2024, has been highlighting groundbreaking artists from across the region, including Ahmed Saad, Siilawy, and Saint Levant. In a significant tribute coinciding with Saudi National Day on 23rd September, Billboard Arabia has used cutting-edge AI technology to resurrect and honour the voice of Etab, Saudi Arabia's first female singer, through her 1980s hit "Ya Saudi".
Etab, a trailblazer in Khaleeji music, is revered as a pivotal figure in the Saudi music landscape. Known for her deep-rooted Bedouin musical influences, Etab courageously navigated and succeeded in a male-dominated industry, becoming a symbol of cultural pride and heritage. Her career extended from the 1950s until her passing in 2007, during which she produced hundreds of songs and collaborated with key figures in Gulf and Egyptian music.
The song "Ya Saudi", originally released in the 1980s, uniquely captures the essence and joy of Saudi National Day celebrations. It stands out for its vibrant rhythm and jubilant lyrics, encapsulating the communal joy of Saudi citizens celebrating their homeland. The melody of the song was composed by the legendary Talal Maddah, with lyrics by Ibrahim Ghazi. Although it featured prominently in her album "Al Qarar Se’eb" ("Deciding is Difficult"), it didn’t garner the same acclaim as some of Etab’s other hits. By reintroducing "Ya Saudi" with a modern twist, Billboard Arabia aims to both honour Etab's legacy and appeal to contemporary audiences, bridging generational gaps.
With sophisticated AI technology, "Ya Saudi" has been remastered to imagine how a contemporary performance by Etab could manifest on the Jalsat Billboard Arabia stage. This modern rendition maintains the timeless qualities of her art while integrating contemporary elements to capture the attention of modern listeners. The initiative seeks to renew interest and appreciation for Etab’s contributions to Arabic music, connecting her cultural authenticity with audiences today.
Billboard Arabia's dedication to highlighting Arab voices is reflected in this project. Commenting on this initiative, Rami Zeidan, Managing Director of Billboard Arabia, expressed that the project aimed not only to celebrate Etab’s legacy but also to reflect a modern Saudi Arabia where tradition and innovation coexist. He stated, "Etab was more than just a singer; she was a cultural icon whose music reflects the rich culture of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf."
The undertaking also involved securing the necessary rights for the performance through the appropriate music label channels and consulting with Etab’s surviving relatives to ensure the project respected her legacy. Despite the entire direct family of Etab having passed away, the move to involve surviving relatives in the project underlines a commitment to respectful cultural preservation and innovation.
This fresh take on "Ya Saudi" is a testament to the enduring power of music as a bridge between the past and the present, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between cultural heritage and modern technology. As Billboard Arabia continues to spotlight artists from the Middle East and North Africa, Etab’s revived song stands as a tribute to her role in shaping the music of a nation and inspiring future generations.
Source: Noah Wire Services