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Nathalie Saba: From Egypt to the world

Nathalie Saba is gaining international interest as one of the most exciting artists to emerge from the Middle East in years.

There isn't a tougher industry to break into than the music industry. So when aspiring singer Nathalie Saba was signed with Sony Music Entertainment Middle East, it was a bit of a shock to the 17-year-old.
Her debut single, Snow has a contemporary Western urban sound fused with Arabic beats. The anthem is haunting and modern and Nathalie's voice has an international resonance and a surprising maturity. The official music video for Snow was filmed here in Dubai by famed director Ali Mostafa (City of Life) and has already garnered over 16,000 views on YouTube in a matter of days.
City Times spoke to Nathalie from her home in Cairo, Egypt to find out more about the rising star.
Growing up, did you have any official musical training?
I did. I was classically trained at the opera for four months. I had to train and perform for around eight months to receive a certificate. I decided to go a different way though from the choir. A professional coach in the style you hear in Snow, my debut single, now trains me.
How do your parents feel about you entering the music industry at such a young age?
At first they weren't really comfortable with idea but they realised that I've got so much passion for music that they became really supportive. Especially my mum, who has been great.
Tell us how you got signed to Sony Music Entertainment Middle East.
A guy in Cairo heard a cover song I did - it was Stay by Rihanna and Mikky Ekko - so he called me and told me, "Hey I heard your voice and you are really talented so I hope you don't mind but I have sent this song to the General Manager of Sony Music Middle East". I didn't really think this guy was serious about it, so I did not get excited at all. Then I was asked to send demos and was receiving emails from Sony and that's when I realised that things are getting serious and that I shouldn't be taking this for granted at all. They liked the demos and they believed in me. I went to Sweden to work with their top producers on Snow and the other singles on my EP. I'm so lucky to be signed with Sony ME at such a young age.
Who are some musicians that have influenced your style? Who are some that you look up to?
Florence and the Machine were a big influence and so was Sia. Right now I'm trying to listen to as many different styles and artists as possible, as who knows which direction my career will take. I am excited by modern international music but I also love Arabic and my Egyptian musical roots.
How do you balance the responsibilities of being a student with the pressures of making an album and possibly living the life of a musician?
I don't really find it hard to balance both. Of course I don't have a minute to waste but it's definitely worth it. If you have passion that makes it a lot easier.
Tell us about your first single Snow. What is it about?
It's basically talking about something that a lot of people face, which is when you reach a certain point in your life and you just realise that this guy, girl, or best friend isn't worth it. How they look on the outside is not how they are on the inside. It's a song about that struggle in yourself when you realise this. I co-wrote the song with a wonderful writer at Sony called Holly. We had a great time on the track.
Tell us about the album that you're currently working on.
The inspiration are things we see around us everyday, people who fight to survive, emotions that we feel everyday...it's important to sing words that are real and that you believe in. I never sing about the perfect life because, what is perfect? Snow is the first single off the EP and I will be releasing more music later in the year with Sony Music Middle East.
What are your plans for the next year?
Right now my focus is on my studies and of course working on my music. The response to Snow so far has been terrific, and I'm looking forward to releasing more music later in the year. There's no rush, I am just starting out and want to make sure everything I do is perfect and true to who I am.
maan@khaleejtimes.com