Emirati star Hussain 'Sain' Hashim takes on Dubai

A young Miami-born Emirati hip-hop artist's music video is continuing to attract thousands of YouTube hits for his new single, 1990. Hussain "Sain" Hashim, who has collaborated with the likes of the French star Abd Al Malik, will headline the 11th Fridge Concert Series at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai tonight. The rapper will perform 1990 as well as debut a new song titled Fort'Lom (For the Love of Music).

Joining him on stage are the supporting acts DJ Aklef (Gabriel Gabi) and the promising Arabic rapper MC Yazen (Yazen Tamim).

"We will perform in English, Arabic and Swahili. We will also showcase the sounds of classical Arabic instruments," says Sain of his performance.

"Such events are good because they're open to anyone with great talent. It's the first time I will perform in something like this and I'm happy because I get to express my talent."

The video for 1990, about the year Sain was born, was produced by Creative Lab ME, a subsidiary of twofour54, as part of its campaign to support local talent. It was co-produced by the Dubai-based record label Co-Sign.

"1990 received 6,000 views in just the first five days, which makes me very happy and I always feel like there's more that I can offer," he says. "I'm now looking at international collaborations and have been in contact with a few well-known artists. My aim is to show the world what we are about in the UAE."

Sain performs tonight at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai. Doors open at 7.30pm; the concert starts at 8pm. Tickets cost Dh50. For details, visit www.thefridgedubai.com or www.officialsain.com