RIYADH: Saudi Arabian singers Fulana and Klinsh captivated the crowd at The Warehouse music venue in JAX District with their electrifying performances. The duo took the stage as part of Fulana’s ongoing Notes on swimming tour, which kicked off in Jeddah earlier this month. Their international tour will see them traveling to New York on June 13 and Cairo four days later.
Fulana, also known as Nadine Lingawi, expressed her overwhelming joy at her growing success. Starting her musical journey at the age of 12, she initially created music solely for herself. She said, “It’s hard to imagine that people are so into it that they want me to sing in other countries. I feel like I’m still too small for a tour, so it’s an overwhelming feeling. It’s beautiful that I’ve reached the point that I thought I’d never reach. Over the past couple of years, I’ve really put together a portfolio of songs that now I think can represent the feelings I’m trying to deliver.”
Fulana Uses Music as Means of Self-expression
Growing up in Saudi Arabia, Fulana decided to use music as a means of self-expression, aiming to initiate conversations about the diverse emotions experienced in the Middle East. She explained, “I think a lot of the feelings that I talk about are naturally very taboo in Saudi culture and Arab culture. You turn into the kind of person who wants to make it OK to discuss feelings that naturally people wouldn’t want to, or express feelings that people would often say is too much to talk about.”
Klinsh, whose real name is Mohammed Dabrom, leads a dual life as both a musician and an electrician. He embarked on his musical journey by learning the guitar, and his music reflects a fusion of poetry and personal experiences. Klinsh’s energetic stage presence adds to his impressive performances. He shared, “Some people use music as an escape, but for me, it’s a way of facing and expressing what I am feeling. I loved the crowd, and I love being on stage: It feels like this is the place that I always strive to be. I truly enjoy disconnecting from everything, and not thinking, just doing me.”
Offering advice to aspiring artists, Klinsh emphasized the importance of perseverance. He said, “Whatever happens, don’t stop. Always try to chase your dreams, and sometimes it won’t work, and it may not please everyone, but you have to be you. Nothing will be built based on what others want, only yourself. You are not trying to please anyone but yourself.”
