The Regional Artist Spotlight Podcast: Recent Episodes
Virgin Radio 104.4
Flash Entertainment and Virgin Radio feature new talent from across The Middle East every month. Hear Maz Hakim and James Everton chatting to this month's featured artist.
Gaining public attention on social media, Llunr’s witty and animated personality was soon to be loved across the globe. His first viral hit “Doo Doo Doo” was used in over 380k videos on TikTok, resulting in over 800k plays for the song on Spotify alone. The Jordanian singer and songwriter have been getting playlisted among his favourite artists on all streaming platforms, helping him get over 500k monthly listeners and gradually building a strong fanbase. Llunr recently released his latest hit “ALL CAPS”, which also went viral on TikTok prior to its release.
Whether performing solo equipped with an acoustic guitar, or as part of a 6-piece band equipped with a horn section, Jindi’s live performances always command a high level of attention and energy. Following on from the release of his debut EP, ‘1995’ in 2019, Jindi embarked on a successful self-organized tour, ‘The1995ExperienceTour’ which left venues and dance floors grooving to the tracks which saw Jindi become an award-winning artist. His latest big performance was at Jubilee Beats at Expo 2020 Dubai. The future is looking bright for Jindi!
Saudi Arabian singer and songwriter Tamtam is based between Los Angeles and Riyadh. At just 13 years old, she relocated to California as her parents wished her to see the world through many different eyes. Since then, Tamtam has been channelling all her life experiences into her passion, becoming an emblematic bridge between the Middle East and the West through her passionate, honest and genre-defying music.
Lebanese-Palestinian independent singer-rapper Anees strongly believes that music is meant to heal. It’s with this mantra in mind that makes him focus on creating music that he says is “good for the soul…”
Born and raised in Dubai, the Iraqi singer and songwriter started her career in 2015 with YouTube covers and performing at open-mic nights. Her first official release came shortly after, when she released a 6-track debut EP titled ‘Alter Ego’.
Shébani moved to London after the release to achieve one of her biggest goals: studying songwriting at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute. She became a certified songwriter and performer in 2017, followed by numerous releases and performances since then, while exploring the world of music and sailing into significantly new sounds.
UAE based R&B/Neo Soul singer “Michele.” takes you on a journey with her dreamy music and soulful voice. Her music inspiration comes from listening to all genres of music from all sides of the world as she tries to break barriers incorporating different styles into her songs. Her music can be described as a “sultry and dreamy depression”. Michele’s passion for music always shines ever so bright, and her willingness to experiment with new approaches, new styles and new melodies is what separates her from all of her contemporaries.
Dubai based singer-songwriter Moh Flow has been on the scene for quite some time. His passion for rapping began in 2005, and he’s found new ways to express himself through his singing voice in recent years. Having worked with numerous artists in the region, his latest collaboration was with legendary American rapper Pusha-T in ‘Options’, released in 2017. The Syrian musician has rocked many stages including the newly renamed Etihad Park on Yas Island, where he opened for Marshmello at the Yasalam After-Race Concerts in 2019. Moh Flow has been releasing a lot of new music since the pandemic and he can’t wait for the opportunity to perform live.
Mougleta is this month featured artist on Regional Artist Spotlight. James Everton talks to Mougleta over zoom to break down each of the songs we have loved playing this month...
The UAE-born singer has lived in Beirut, Boston, Dubai, Toronto and now, Berlin – with each city holding a special place in her heart. It is in these cities that she draws her inspiration – from music in taxis on the streets of Beirut, to the late-night rush of Toronto’s Entertainment District.
Layla Kardan knew her calling was to create music but there was always an obstacle in the way. One day Layla decided enough was enough and she WAS going to be a performer - that one conscious decision changed everything and she was performing on stage in a matter of days. We get to know Layla Kardan.
When you are passionate about music, how do you create your own incredible songs from scratch?
Jara's love for music blossomed while studying in Sweden. With no friends, family or community like Jara was used to having at home in Saudi Arabia, she turned to writing lyrics. Now Jara is creating art through her homemade music and incredible visuals.
Molham is a Saudi Citizen who spent a lot of time in Canada before moving to Dubai. He was big in the UAE's hip hop community before finding a new passion. Molham is the trailblazer of a new genre... Arabic pop. We talk to Molham about what goes in to creating the songs sweeping Arabic music lovers right now.
First up, UAE-based Somalian rapper, Freek! Freek has always been into music and his passion for it started when he was about 13 years old. He spent time surrounded by other artists on Abu Dhabi's music scene which taught Freek his craft and was where he found the inspiration to create Arabic Hip Hop music.
John Lickrish has been with Flash Entertainment since the days that this company was made up of only two people... Now Flash is the regions leading events company and John want's to create a platform to give back to the music scene of the UAE. James Everton talks to John about this new platform.