The Ambassador of the Yemeni Song

The Ambassador of the Yemeni Song

Mohammed Al-Mekhlafi
Writer and Researcher - Yemen

Hussain Moheb, a distinguished Yemeni artist, stands out as one of the most prominent figures in the artistic landscape. With his remarkable talent, he has elevated Yemeni art, seamlessly intertwining its rich cultural heritage with his personal creativity. He presents Yemeni art in a way that honors its historical and civilizational significance, thereby enhancing its presence in both the Arab and global arenas. This has secured a lasting place for it in the memories of current and future generations.

Hussain has skillfully merged authenticity with modernity, which has garnered him widespread acclaim. He showcases the beauty of Yemeni musical heritage through a contemporary lens, appealing to a diverse audience that transcends geographical boundaries. His contributions not only highlight his artistic prowess but also embody the spirit of Yemeni identity, making his artistic journey both rich and impactful.

Family and Folklore in Hussain s Artistic Journey

Hussain s early childhood was spent in Wadi Dhahr, northwest of Sana a, within an artistic family devoted to popular folklore. This nurturing environment helped him discover his talent at a young age. He sang and chanted spontaneously, and his beautiful voice was first recognized when his teacher selected him to recite the Quran on the school radio. This experience boosted his confidence and illuminated his path toward the arts. He often gathered with friends at neighbors homes to sing and hum quietly.

Upon learning of his son s talent from the neighbors, Hussein s father said, "Bring the oud and sit before me. Do not sing now-;- I just want to see if you possess charm and personality. If I find you pleasing, the people will too." His father had unwavering faith in his talent and believed he would one day astonish everyone. With a profound artistic vision, he was adept at recognizing creative potential and consistently encouraged his son to strive for excellence and pursue his dreams.

Hussain was deeply influenced by his father, particularly during the moments they spent together, listening to discussions between his father and cultured guests. He observed them intently, relishing the exchange of ideas and opinions. His father, a kind-hearted man who always sought to mend relationships, instilled in him the values of cooperation and assistance. In the realm of art, Hussein received praise from others, who described him as creative in his father’s presence. After the guests departed, his father would often ask, "Are you convinced by what they say about you?" To which Hussein would reply, "No." His father would then encourage him, saying, "You still need to work harder".

A Voice Embodying Al-Harithi s Spirit

At an early stage in his life, Hussain collaborated with the chanter Qassem Zabida to enliven weddings, providing him with the opportunity to learn proper pronunciation and master the art of performance. He continued his artistic journey until the age of fifteen, when he began performing at weddings in his area and neighboring regions. His father was always by his side, curating a repertoire of songs from the renowned artist Al-Harithi and encouraging him to learn and perfect them. As one of Al-Harithi s biggest admirers, his father believed these songs possessed an artistic depth worthy of his son s mastery.

Despite the challenges that Al-Harithi s songs presented, requiring continuous practice and time to learn, Hussein quickly excelled, driven by his love and passion. When he sang, it was evident to all that he possessed a voice that embodied Al-Harithi s spirit, leaving a profound impression on everyone who listened.

Hussain Moheb s Ascent to Stardom

Hussain enjoyed working the land beside his home in Wadi Dhahr, accompanied by his favorite device—a combination of a radio, a cassette player, and a flashlight. He would listen to songs and repeat them, along with cultural programs that fueled his passion for reading and learning.

A pivotal moment that further motivated him to explore literature occurred when he participated in a radio program with the well-known journalist Mohammed Al-Mohammedi, alongside a famous artist. Before the interview began, Al-Mohammedi organized the order of speaking, stating he would start with the renowned artist and then move on to Hussein, an emerging talent still at the beginning of his journey. However, the unexpected happened-;- after Al-Mohammedi s introduction, he turned -dir-ectly to Hussein and began asking him questions.

Initially hesitant, Hussain wished to suggest that Al-Mohammedi start with the established artist, but he faltered and could not speak. Following this experience, Hussein resolved to read and learn more to improve his quick thinking. He began searching for books and eventually discovered "The Art of San ani Singing" by the esteemed writer Mohammed Abdu Ghanem, allowing him to delve deeply into heritage and art. He also read biographies of Arab artists, striving to enhance his skills.

With each book he read, he found similarities between himself and these artists, further fueling his determination to achieve his dreams in the arts. Hussein continued his pursuit of artistic aspirations, with days passing steadily until an unexpected opportunity arose. During a visit, his father received Professor Abdullah Al-Abed, the -dir-ector of Culture for the Sana a Governorate, who came to inquire about folk dances and traditional clothing in preparation for the "Sana a Capital of Arab Culture" events in 2004.

At that time, Hussein was performing at a neighbor s wedding, enjoying Al-Harithi s songs. Upon entering, Professor Abdullah was surprised by the atmosphere and asked, "How can Al-Harithi s tapes be played at a wedding without bringing in an artist?" Hussein s father responded, "This is my son Hussein singing." Professor Abdullah was astonished by Hussein s talent, stating, "There is no difference between his voice and Al-Harithi s-;- they sound like one. How can we have such a talented artist while we hire artists from outside the governorate to represent us at events? We want Hussein to join us."

Despite Professor Abdullah s admiration, Hussein s father initially refused, saying, "Hussein is still at the beginning of his artistic journey, and I don’t believe he is ready for such events." However, Professor Abdullah insisted, stating, "Perhaps this could be a pivotal moment for Hussein." Hussein s father eventually agreed, provided that Hussein performed in front of artist Mohammed Hamoud Al-Harithi. If Al-Harithi accepted his participation, then he would join-;- if not, I would excuse him.

After contacting Al-Harithi, they headed to his home. There, Hussein sang three of Al-Harithi s songs. Al-Harithi listened intently, and when Hussein finished, he was impressed by his talent and responded with one of his famous songs: "Oh, what I did not take, I place-;- you are in the midst of the house, oh surpassing gazelle." These words confirmed Hussein s abilities and symbolized recognition of his talent.

After the performance, Al-Harithi offered Hussein sage advice, telling him he possessed a beautiful voice and abilities that might even surpass his own. He emphasized the importance of reading and memorization, urging him not to be merely a mimic. "Search for yourself and create your own style." This advice ignited hope within Hussein, motivating him and changing his perspective.

How Hussain Moheb s Life Changed in a Day

Hussein returned to his village, not expecting to participate in the events. The next morning, he went out as usual to work in the fields beside his home, listening to his radio. Suddenly, he was called to prepare for a trip to the Yemeni Cultural Center to participate. At that moment, he was unprepared-;- he borrowed a coat from his cousin and a jambiya (traditional dagger) from his maternal uncle, appearing somewhat disheveled.

He ascended the stage and sang, captivating the audience. The crowd applauded so fervently that they canceled some segments to allow him to continue. The following day, they requested his participation again. Even the Minister of Culture at the time, Mr. Khaled Al-Ruwaishan, personally called him to commend and encourage him, describing his stage presence as mesmerizing, as if he were a seasoned performer, despite it being his first appearance on stage. That day, his father told him, "You are now in the spotlight and facing a significant challenge-;- you must either strive to stand out and pursue your dream´-or-retreat and lose this opportunity." These words motivated him to exert greater effort.

Soaring in the Realm of Art

From that moment on, Hussain s career began to flourish, and he started participating in weddings and events on a larger scale. He now soars high, representing Yemeni art at various Arab and international venues. He passionately performs Yemeni songs at numerous festivals, from Riyadh to the opera houses in Britain, France, the Netherlands, and beyond, showcasing the beauty of Yemeni musical heritage and its impact on global culture. His contributions to these events reflect the spirit of Yemeni identity, attracting a wide audience of art and music enthusiasts.

In his most recent concert, he delivered a remarkable performance at the Manchester Opera House, where the Mayor of Manchester attended personally and tweeted to invite people to enjoy Yemeni art. Hussain Moheb wore traditional Yemeni attire, adding a special ambiance to the event, which was warmly received by diverse Arab and European audiences. Everyone enjoyed the atmosphere emanating from the depths of Yemeni heritage and culture, enriching their artistic experience.

At Al-Suwaidi Park in Riyadh, he held a concert attended by over one hundred thousand people, reflecting the immense popularity this young artist enjoys in the artistic arena. The audience sang along to his songs, celebrating his art as their voices intertwined to create a symphony of love and appreciation.

"Let us ignite it for Hussain Moheb," tweeted Turki Al-Sheikh at the Riyadh Festival, reflecting the immense passion surrounding this artist and his ongoing success in presenting Yemeni art in its finest form.

Hussain Moheb s journey embodies an inspiring artistic odyssey, where he has, through his unique talent, elevated Yemeni art to new horizons, uniting authenticity with modernity. From his humble beginnings in Wadi Dhahr, Hussein has demonstrated exceptional adaptability and growth, propelled by the support of his family and the guidance of pioneers in his field.

Today, Hussain Moheb stands as a symbol of Yemeni artistic pride, resonating his songs at major festivals and captivating a diverse audience from various cultures. His contributions highlight the beauty of heritage and reflect the spirit of Yemeni identity, making him a true ambassador of art in the realm of creativity. Through his passion and diligence, Hussein continues to soar high, setting his sights on even greater successes in the future.

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