- PREMIERE WAS SPONSORED BY SAUDI STYLE COUNCIL
- 150 VIP SAUDI GUESTS ACROSS MULTIPLE INDUSTRIES ATTENDED
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA—Before an audience of 150 guests yesterday evening at the Mall of Arabia’s muvi Cinemas multiplex, the Saudi R&B singer Hamza Hawsawi debuted his video for his latest R&B ballad, “Believer,” filmed aboard the Silver Spirit luxury cruise ship. Sponsored by the Saudi Style Council, a nonprofit initiative that nurtures emerging fashion talent in the Kingdom via a sustainable creative ecosystem, with the goal of elevating the country’s fashion industry to global recognition, as well as partners Niche Arabia and GoProduction.
At the hour-long event, attendees were treated to a live performance by Hawsawi before viewing exclusive footage of the video shoot. The music video produced by Rayan Bailouni, ‘Believer’ is anchored by a hypnotizing steady drumbeat and a vivid tune that allows Hawsawi’s enchanting vocals to explore an exciting new direction. Directed by Fauzi AR, the video takes us on a journey with Hawsawi in his feelings and captivating vocals on a dreamy, uplifting ballad, filled with intimacy. A Q&A session with stand-up comedian Khalid Khalifa followed and included an a Capella performance by Saudi female singer-songwriter, Ghada Music. During the Q&A session Hamza explained that “We shot the music video during my trip with the Red Sea Spirit cruise recently,”. Talking about his journey so far, he said his country’s support and people’s love for his music means more to him any award or international acclaim. “Thanks to the leadership and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, we are able to not only believe in, but also achieve our dreams. They are the reason we are able to be here today and make this a reality.” Hawsawi lauded the new reforms undertaken and spearheaded by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for Saudi artists who have been given a platform to shine and progress on a global scale.
“This entire event encapsulates what Saudi creatives are capable of offering when we join forces,” says Marriam Mossalli, the founder of the Saudi Style Council, which has partnered with muvi cinemas to become a platform for local talents across various creative sectors, such as music, film, and fashion. “From Hamza and the model, to the video producer and director—the whole of the creative process was distinctly local. Furthermore, tonight’s invitees are thrilled to share this moment with their worldwide followers on their many social-media channels.”
Hamza Hawsawi, who was the 2015 winner of X Factor Arabia, is now a well-established music-industry fixture in the MENA region, best known for hits such as “Love a Little,” “Find You,” and “You Don’t Have to Go Home.”
The invite-only premiere was co-sponsored by GO Production, the Jeddah-based video and audio production company behind the “Believer” video.