The Dhaka Times Desk The UAE's first all-female band is what can be described as the emancipation of women in a closed Arab country at the moment. In the Middle East, where music and women in public are frowned upon, this five-piece all-female band is the first all-Emirati girl rock band to have a response across the Middle East and the world.
The band consists of five members: Hamda Al Ghaiti (lead guitarist), Ayesha Al Qabi (bass), Ayesha Al Maskari (drums), Almayesha Al Qabi (keyboards) and Bushra Al Hashemi are all students of Al Ain University. Only one of them has prior experience in music, while the rest are newbies who have learned the instrument. The band group was formed a year ago and was directly assisted by their university English teacher Jackie Small.
Bushra Hasan (22), a member of this group who plays rhythm guitar, said that singing rock and roll is a great thing. We are the first women to play electronic guitar as a band which is the first in the UAE. It keeps us away from the stress of housework and college work. We are playing music and also working on our own songs. I have always loved rock and roll.
About the history of forming the band, Jackie Small said, “I always form a band wherever I go. I did the same in UK. When I started teaching them in UAE I thought of opening a music club but there was already a music club here. So I decided to open a guitar club and got some interested people. I buy a drum kit, bass and teach them to play.
Lead guitarist Hamida said, 'I have been playing piano and guitar for the past two years. When I met Mrs. Small, she told me that the girls were interested in forming a band. At first I didn't like rock music because I was learning classical guitar. But now I prefer rock guitar. I hope to study music and classical piano after graduation.
The band is inspired by classic songs like 'Smoke on the Water', Jack Jones' 60s hit 'Baby I'm Yours'.
It is said that the female members founded the band with the support of their parents. Already this band group has become popular in the UAE and at the same time the band group has performed at various events including college convocations and even national days.
This all-female band will be starting their own music project next September, hoping to make waves around the world, including the Middle East, with their singing and music.
Reference: DefensePak
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