The first weekend of the Dubai Shopping Festival Arab-music concerts came to a close with the biggest double bill of the series. A large crowd packed into Dubai Media City Amphitheatre to see Egyptian pop star Amr Diab and Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram.
While the former’s enduring popularity is assured, Ajram still has something to prove on the live stage.
The 31-year-old's inclusion on the Arab Idol judging panel in 2013 raised a few eyebrows. With her predominantly fluffy pop songs and carefully cultivated image, some continue to question her qualifications for being on the panel.
Her performance on Saturday night was solid – but she still lacks the enthusiasm and fire that befits her diva status.
Those who saw Najwa Karam perform the previous night would understand – Ajram’s 48-year-old compatriot owned the stage and her huge personality was able to extend all the way to those sitting in the back row.
Ajram’s winning appeal of modesty and girl-next-door charm may go down well on television and in music videos, but a sense of showmanship is needed to make a concert memorable.
Dressed in an elegant white cocktail dress, Ajram took the stage and, unfortunately, remained stiff throughout, with each gesture seemingly choreographed.
Not that the crowd minded, however, as Ajram performed most of her hits.
Listening to the big tracks back-to-back, one can understand why Ajram is so popular. Her songs eschew the longer and symphonic sounds of her peers to focus on short, sharp songwriting and earworm hooks.
Mafish Haga Tigi Kida is a case in point. It is simple, catchy and carefree – a perfect track to dance to on a breezy evening.
Her new single Yalla shows that Ajram and her producers have been keeping an eye – or ear – on the clubs. Its jerky synths and a staccato guitar riff resemble Justin Timberlake's Like I Love You.
Ma Aw'edak Ma Gheer was a standout – Ajram's voice was more punchy than passionate, and the track's khaleeji percussion had the crowd on their feet.
Ajram’s stiffness on stage was thrown into sharp relief by the slick and energetic set by the veteran Amr Diab.
With the 53-year-old – his youthful look is stunning – having achieved just about everything possible in the Arab-music industry, Diab really only has himself to challenge.
Touring constantly, Diab performed a set list sequenced to near perfection, with tracks showcasing his up-tempo dance style of late, and his signature balladry.
Amarain remains a treat, particularly its instrumental flamenco breakdown, illustrating why Diab is one of the rare Arab stars with an international following.
The lilting waltz Takhayal was another treat, again showing that Diab's muse remains outside of the region, courtesy of violin stylings belonging more to the Balkans than Egypt.
Wayah had Diab returning back to the club. However, while the hook remains rock solid, the four on the floor beat and light keyboard – a hallmark of 90s Europop – give the track a cheap and cheesy feel.
Diab is best when he is filled with the Mediterranean spirit and no track underscores this better than the Nour El Ain.
The 1996 release was a global hit due to its deft mix of traditions: eastern harmonies sitting on top of infectious flamenco guitars, punctuated by rhythmic clapping.
Chatting to the crowd near the end of his set, Diab said he felt humbled by the large gathering “considering I played in Dubai only two weeks ago”.
With his consistent performances, a Diab show won’t lack for a large crowd anytime soon.
• For more details on the Dubai Shopping Festival and its upcoming concerts, visit www.mydsf.ae
[ sasaeed@thenational.ae ]
