Beyond language: Persian music rings throughout AlUla

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Sun, 2020-03-08 00:42

ALULA: This year’s 11-week Winter at Tantora festival has offered a variety of entertainment, and as the season concluded the audience was given one last gem to remember — Persian Nights.

Sasan Yafteh, better known by his stage name Sasy, opened the evening with his song “Gentleman.”

The event brought together some of the biggest names in the Persian music scene, including Arash Labaf, who performed some of his favorite hit songs: “Arash Song,” “Broken Angel,” “One Night in Dubai” and “Melody.”

The audience, mostly Iranians, filled the hall with chants as the music made them feel at home.

In an interview with Arab News, Arash shared his experience of AlUla, where he also tried horse riding. “It felt like an old cowboy movie. Very cool,” he said. “We have a really old and beautiful culture.”

The artist said that he was thrilled to received the invitation to perform at Tantora.

“Ever since I started, my message has always been to love and spread love,” Arash said. “The tempo of the music will go down a bit today, they are all love songs,” he said.

Iranian singer Ebrahim Hamedi, better known by his stage name Ebi, was also among the stars to perform.

“I have tried my best to come up with a song selection that will be fit for the audience, and I hope it worked,” said the 70-year-old pop singer.

Nicknamed “Master of Voice,” Ebi dedicated one of his songs to all women. Pointing to his two female band members, he said: “I wish there will be a day when the ladies of my country will be openly allowed to play on a stage.”

Although one night may not be enough to represent the Persian culture to an audience, the singer said that he would do his best and hoped that it “resonates and echoes so that it keeps on going.”

Amira Arasteh, a 26-year-old fan, said: “The first thing I attended in Saudi Arabia was the MDL Beast festival (in Riyadh), and now this is a completely different experience, different music.”

Arasteh said that she grew up seeing Arash on music channels and listening to his music. “I loved the fact that people were standing up and dancing. I made videos for my parents because I think this is something they would like to see,” she said.