Saudi singer Talal Alshehail optimistic about KSA’s growing music industry

Talal Alshehail at Trip Loon’s debut show organized by Capital Entertainment at Jax district in Riyadh last week. (Supplied)
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Updated 24 January 2023
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Saudi singer Talal Alshehail optimistic about KSA’s growing music industry

  • Musician Talal Alshehail grateful for new opportunities
  • Highlights need for business, technical skills development

RIYADH: Talal Alshehail becomes quite emotional when he speaks about his debut show that opened up in Riyadh last week because it has been such a challenge to get his work out for the past 13 years.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, the creative director of the Riyadh-based company, Capital Entertainment, said that the Kingdom is now providing opportunities, which was once a distant dream for artists. He admitted, though, that it is a nascent industry and more needs to be done for creatives to develop business and technical skills.

He said he experienced a rush of emotions, including a great deal of gratitude, when his band Trip Loon performed in Jax District last week. “This was 13 years in the making. I started this project 13 years ago. The band changed its name four times with different lineups. It was so hard to get it up and running and to do a show,” he said.

“Now that we know Saudi Arabia has changed we don’t have these problems of music, now it’s allowed. Ever since we started working on getting a band together, we have worked hard. Now there are resources in the country. There is infrastructure for that. So I thought, it’s time to get the debut up and running,” Alshehail said.

HIGHLIGHT

Musician Talal Alshehail is grateful for new opportunities being created by the Saudi government for musicians and artists in the Kingdom. He emphasized the need to develop business and technical skills development within the Saudi music industry.

Alshehail graduated from three programs at the New York Film Academy — two Master of Fine Arts qualifications in filmmaking and producing respectively, and a diploma in cinematography.

His career highlights include directing a critically acclaimed music video in the US that was featured in both Yahoo Music and Rolling Stone’s Top 20 List of Most Awesome Music Videos in 2014 and the Saudi Arabian Pioneers Marketing Award for Best Video Commercial in 2018.

Alshehail said that his music journey started when he was in college in the UAE with his best friend Mohammed Alshaibi, who is currently a member of Trip Loon. Alshaibi had quit their initial band because he thought a music career was not possible, and decided to get married.

Alshehail, in contrast, persisted and wanted to live and work in the US but could not get an artist visa. “I couldn’t get a run over there. Then I came back and everything was allowed, but there was no infrastructure. Now everything is allowed and there is the infrastructure. So now everything seems possible,” he said.

Debut is roaring success

“We came up with a team that performed at the debut show, they were all Saudis. If the band members stay committed to me for at least one album cycle of development, production, promotion and touring, and they seem like they are committed, then we are going to change the band name, from my name to a band name,” said Alshehail, who was joined during the interview by Capital Entertainment’s founder Turki Alshagroud and co-founder AlWaleed AlShehail.




Talal Alshehail, Creative Director of the Capital Entertainment at Jax District, Riyadh. (AN photo)

The debut show was a roaring success. “The reason for such a good response from the people is because so many of the biggest names in Rock ’n Roll in Saudi Arabia participated in this project, and also from (other) music genres … they all encouraged us. “Few musicians in America and Amro Hawari, a legend in the rock scene in Saudi Arabia participated in this and supported us,” said the artist.

He said the plan is to tour the Kingdom with Trip Loon, which includes producing more music and performing at wrestling shows. “Our next plan is (also) to have a single out. We just want to have one single, and then we are gonna focus on finishing the first album.

“We have nine of the 10 songs written for the first album, and then we will finish it. It’s a matter of just getting the budget for tracking it, and then we can have it released,” he said.

Alshehail believes that there is a lot to look forward to. “This should not be an opportunity that we should take lightly, we should focus on making really good material with a lot of merit, and not just prematurely develop things just because there are opportunities just to have a release out.

“I think all the artists have to really take this opportunity seriously and make songs that are really thought out and that have a really powerful effect on its listeners,” he said.

Capital Entertainment’s slogan is “Merit before Hype,” which encapsulates the aim to “train and to co-create content with upcoming Saudi artists in order to attract popular and critical acclaim, both locally and globally.

“We want to professionalize the industry. The resources are there, but we have to professionalize the music business, sound engineering, and live sound skills. All of that needs some training and workshops, and conferences, like there was the XP Music Conference held recently in Riyadh,” he said.

 


Gaming community in Saudi Arabia catches them all with Pokemon Go

‘Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population being passionate gamers.’
Updated 7 sec ago
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Gaming community in Saudi Arabia catches them all with Pokemon Go

  • Maan Al-Qurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi, told Arab News that the game holds a special place in his heart because he has played different versions for more than 20 years

RIYADH: The official launch of Pokemon Go in Saudi Arabia has brought together a community of gamers who have embraced their inner child while competing and connecting in a world of nostalgic adventure.

Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that creates an immersive experience of a world where human beings co-exist with colorful creatures with otherworldly superpowers, known as Pokemon.

The game, launched internationally in 2016, uses GPS to track movement and invites players to travel to real-world locations to catch Pokemon and battle with others.

Fans from more than 20 countries around the globe registered at the event. (Supplied)

A local gaming group, “Pokemon Go Saudi,” has created a lively community with members from Riyadh and the Eastern Province who have a shared love of the game.

Maan Al-Qurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi, told Arab News that the game holds a special place in his heart because he has played different versions for more than 20 years.

“Pokemon accompanied me in all stages of my life, from childhood to teenager, and still is a part of my daily life after marriage. Hopefully, I will pass down the same passion to my kids.”

HIGHLIGHT

Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that creates an immersive experience of a world where human beings co-exist with colorful creatures with otherworldly superpowers, known as Pokemon.

Al-Qurashi said Pokemon Go Saudi began with 10 members in 2017, after the international launch of the game.

Today, the community comprises a diverse group of 500 members from all age groups who have made lasting friendships with their Pokemon partners. As a team, they go on adventures, train to improve their skills, and battle in friendly competitions.

‘Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population being passionate gamers.’ (Supplied)

Al-Qurashi said that it is more than a game. It is a community that fosters growth and friendship.

“Multiple in-person activities and relationships have been linked to Pokemon Go. For example, the daily routine is not only going to work and staying with family, it includes playing Pokemon Go even if it’s for a few minutes during the day or an hour or so.”

Last week, more than 5,000 Pokemon Go fans gathered at Boulevard City to celebrate the official launch of the Saudi application. Omar Tellez, vice president at Niantic, said that the event was the largest Pokemon Go event of its kind in the region to date.

Maan AlQurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi. (Supplied)

“Seeing the joy of the thousands of attendees, of all ages, has been such a delight. The success of today’s event is a testament to the popularity of Pokemon Go here in the Kingdom. The community has really responded.”

Fans from more than 20 countries around the globe registered at the event.

“It’s been incredible to see them unite to catch some of their favorite Pokemon and enjoy their time together in person. That’s what our game is all about.

Fans from more than 20 countries around the globe registered at the event. (Supplied)

“We have loved seeing their passion and excitement firsthand – whether through cheering on their teams during the PvP battles, or celebrating that iconic button-press moment — or join forces to catch Mewtwo as the legendary Pokemon took over the Boulevard Screens. The atmosphere was truly something special,” Tellez said.

Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population — more than 23.5 million people — being passionate gamers, Tellez said.

“We are excited to welcome many of them into our global trainers community, and we know this event is just the start of our adventure together as we create new experiences and ways for them to connect here in KSA.”

Today, more than 100 million people play Pokemon Go every year in more than 150 countries and regions, making for more than a billion downloads. Trainers have walked more than 8 billion kilometers collectively while playing the game.

 

 


Saudi Orchestra dazzles audiences in Tokyo

Updated 31 min 56 sec ago
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Saudi Orchestra dazzles audiences in Tokyo

  • Hosted with support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi minister of culture
  • Concert culminated in collaboration between Saudi Orchestra and Tokyo University of Music Orchestra Academy

TOKYO: The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir gave a finale performance on Friday at the Tokyo Opera City Theater of its “Masterpieces of the Saudi Orchestra” concert, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Tokyo show marked the fifth leg of the Saudi Orchestra’s global run, following critically acclaimed performances in Paris, Mexico City, New York City, and London.

Hosted with the support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi minister of culture and chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Music Authority, the event showcased a blend of the Kingdom’s rich musical heritage and Japan’s renowned musical traditions, SPA added.

The concert featured 100 musicians and performers, and attracted an audience of officials, business leaders, media professionals, and music enthusiasts.

Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Authority, praised the global impact of the Masterpieces of the Saudi Orchestra performances in his address at the event.

He said the concerts had introduced Saudi musical heritage to the world and represented a step toward sharing the Kingdom’s diverse traditions on an international stage.

The evening featured a performance by the Japanese Imperial Orchestra, presenting ancient Japanese court music with a history spanning over 1,300 years. 

The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir also performed an anime medley infused with Saudi musical motifs, followed by a performance of the theme of AlUla, composed by celebrated artist Omar Khairat.

The concert culminated in a collaboration between the Saudi Orchestra and the Tokyo University of Music Orchestra Academy, alongside Japanese artist Hotai.

The Saudi Music Authority said it has plans to continue the tour in new destinations in the coming years.


Riyadh Design Law Treaty signed at intellectual property conference in Saudi Arabia

Updated 22 November 2024
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Riyadh Design Law Treaty signed at intellectual property conference in Saudi Arabia

  • Document aims to enhance designers’ rights, unify design registration procedures 

RIYADH: Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization officially adopted the Riyadh Design Law Treaty on Friday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The treaty, which aims to enhance designers’ rights and unify design registration procedures, was finalized at the Diplomatic Conference to Conclude and Adopt a Design Law Treaty at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, which finished on Friday.

By establishing a robust legal framework, the Riyadh treaty is set to bolster innovation and creativity across multiple industries worldwide, the SPA added.

Abdulaziz Al-Suwailem, the CEO of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, spoke of the significance of the treaty’s adoption.

He said: “The name Riyadh treaty reflects Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role as a bridge between cultures and a hub for supporting global initiatives.

“Adopting this treaty is a historic achievement highlighting Saudi Arabia’s cooperation and contribution to the international intellectual property framework. It opens new avenues for collaboration among member states.

“This treaty will lay the foundation for vital legal frameworks that benefit designers and bolster innovation and creativity worldwide.”

The event, which was hosted by the SAIP, gathered high-level representatives and decision-makers from the WIPO’s 193 member states.


Environment minister opens international dates exhibition in Riyadh

Updated 22 November 2024
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Environment minister opens international dates exhibition in Riyadh

  • About 100 local, international bodies participating

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s environment minister has opened an exhibition in Riyadh which showcases a range of date products and their history.

Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, the Saudi minister of environment, water and agriculture, officially opened the International Dates Conference and Exhibition 2024, organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates. It runs until Nov. 28 with about 100 local and international entities participating.

It is a “global platform to showcase Saudi dates, drive innovation in their processing industries, and enhance their global export potential,” according to organizers.

The exhibition aims to enhance the competitiveness of Saudi products, contributing to the development of the palm and dates sector as a key pillar in driving economic growth.

Visitors can taste date varieties from the different regions of the Kingdom, including Al-Ahsa, Al-Qassim, AlUla, and Al-Jouf.

The exhibition also includes a variety of entertainment activities such as folklore shows, regional poetry, and cooking competitions.

On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, a carbonated sugar-sweetened date drink was launched by Al-Madinah Heritage Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund.

The exhibition also features a museum which takes visitors on a journey through time to explore the history of palm trees and dates over 1,000 years.

The museum showcases manuscripts and agricultural tools that highlight the significance of dates in daily life and literary culture.

It also houses archaeological collections showing the different uses of palm trees through the ages, including as tools.

In addition, there is a live cooking area that brings together local and international chefs to present a range of date-based dishes.

Al-Fadli, along with several officials and foreign delegations, toured the exhibition’s pavilions and explored a range of date-based products, such as juices, baked goods, and date chocolate.


Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition

Risotto competition at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)
Updated 22 November 2024
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Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition

  • Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals

RIYADH: A group of 15 Saudi and Italian chefs created a seven-course dinner titled “Italy meets KSA,” combining both cuisines at Ritz Carlton’s Azzuro Restaurant.

Daniele Chiari, Italian chef and head of Dinner Incredible, the hosts of the event, told Arab News: “Tonight’s event in Riyadh is inspired by the shared love for storytelling and culture through cuisine. As a chef, I see food as a universal language that connects people, and Saudi Arabia’s culinary traditions are incredibly rich and diverse, just like Italy’s.”

Mozzarella demonstration at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

The event featured a culinary risotto competition between top Saudi chefs, which was won by Omar AlKhaldi, who received a scholarship fund from ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts.

The event also had a display of fresh mozzarella cheese for tasting, made in the Kingdom by Sana cheese company, which specializes in Italian cheeses.

Risotto competition at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

“This evening, we aim to create a bridge between these two cultures, highlighting how local Saudi ingredients and techniques can harmonize beautifully with Italian culinary artistry,” Chiari said.

The evening concluded with a seven-course tasting dinner highlighting Italian and Saudi flavors. The menu included a pumpkin tart, cream of beans soup with shredded camel meat, a Red Sea grouper served with truffle, and a Saudi-coffee twist on the famous tiramisu.

Red Sea grouper at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals. In terms of food, there’s a deep respect for natural, high-quality ingredients in both cuisines. Just as Italians value simplicity and the authentic taste of their produce, Saudis take pride in the purity and flavor of their spices, grains, and meats.”

Chiari spoke about the ability of food to cross international borders and connect communities.

Rosewater-glazed lamb at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

“Food is one of the most powerful ways to build connections and foster understanding between cultures. It transcends language, politics, and borders, allowing people to experience something deeply personal yet universally relatable. By crossing international borders through food, we’re not just sharing recipes — we’re sharing history, values, and creativity.”

The competition was organized by the Italian Embassy in Riyadh, the Italian Trade Agency, and ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts, in collaboration with Sitaf and the Royal Protocol.