Hakim, the self-styled ‘Lion of Egypt’, jetted into Abu Dhabi earlier this week. Time Out Abu Dhabi stopped by for a chat with the street pop superstar.
Forgive us, Hakim. We don’t know your work well.
I’m to be blamed for that, because I have failed to reach you.
Can you give us a reason why we should head for your stage at Womad, rather than anyone else’s?
Because you will listen to the real music from the streets of Arabia.
And what do the streets of Arabia have to say?
Love, peace, brotherhood, and love again. Lots of love. Street music is very popular in the region. It can build bridges.
Are there any artists well-known outside of the Arab region that you might compare yourself to?
Nobody. I am unique. I’m not boasting – everyone is unique. But I’m essentially pop.
So we can say you’re like Michael Jackson?
Hahaha. Absolutely!
Of the Womad 2010 lineup, which other artist are you looking forward to seeing the most? You’re not allowed to say, ‘everybody’!
Transglobal Underground. I collaborated with them before.
Will you be doing a special collaboration with them in Abu Dhabi?
Maybe. I will call them and maybe make something with them. I may even join one of the workshops at Womad Beyond. Insha’allah!
Click here for more pictures of Hakim.
