Under the embrace of the afternoon sun in Diriyah, a city known as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia's first state and a symbol of the Kingdom's rich history, Billboard Arabia meets August cover star Ghareeb Al Mokhles for a photoshoot and interview. In this enchanting setting, Ghareeb's enthusiasm and bright smile reflect his deep connection with his roots. From the start, it was clear that Ghareeb was completely comfortable in this atmosphere, ready to share his views on Shelat – a genre of music known for its rhythms and lively melodies, with lyrics based on Bedouin vernacular poetry.
After the photo shoot, the artist moves into the interview area with a calm and composed demeanor. Ghareeb is calm, though passionate about his work and the kind of music he performs. He proudly describes himself as a son of 'Najran' and a devotee Shelat enthusiastic, passionately discussing his lifelong love of music. He credits his older brother Talal and iconic artists such as Mohammed Abdu and Khalid bin Abdulrahman as inspiration, fondly recalling his early artistic experiences, including performing national anthems and songs during his school years.
As he shares these memories, it is clear that his deep-rooted connection to his heritage and unwavering passion for Shelat continue to shape his artistic journey. Delving into its origin and essence ShelatGhareeb explains that it is “an ancient folk heritage that has evolved into an art form different from conventional songs, characterized by its Bedouin influences.” traditionally, Shelat consists of poetic lines sung to specific tunes, often performed a cappella with echoes, originally by camel herders and on special occasions such as weddings. Over time, this tradition expanded with the addition of music and instrumental arrangements, evolving into Shelat species we recognize today. “We've added rhythms and beats to it, we've added instruments.”
Ghareeb's foray into production Shelat began as an experimental project shared on social media in the mid-2010s. To his surprise, the overwhelmingly positive response and high demand for his work in this genre ignited a deeper passion within him. Reflecting on this, Ghareeb notes, “The audience's enthusiasm fueled my passion for Shelatturning it into a genuine talent. I fully embraced this art and continued to pursue it.”
Almost a decade later, Ghareeb has established himself as a leading figure in the genre, garnering millions of views across various platforms. Its release in 2021 Shelat “Kheeba” (Disappointment) exemplifies this success, garnering nearly 240 million views on YouTube alone. He describes it as a defining moment in his career: “It marked an important turning point for me. I was able to really showcase my talents and I am deeply grateful for the success it brought. This Shelat The song holds a special place in my heart and each of my works has been built on the foundations laid by the previous ones.”
This success culminated in a record milestone, with his YouTube channel surpassing one billion views. Ghareeb credits this achievement to his widespread popularity Shelatstating, “This number reflects the public's appreciation of what I offer.”
Taking advantage of this record-breaking moment in his world Shelatwe ask Ghareeb about his reaction to reaching his first million views, “It was an incredible joy,” he says. “I was in the south (of Saudi Arabia), I was looking forward to that million. I stayed up all night.” This milestone has cemented Ghareeb's status in the Shelat industry. Not only has he advanced the genre, imbuing it with new musical and artistic dimensions, but he is often cited on social media as a pioneer in the field. His lyrics, known for their simplicity, are a key part of his appeal. During our conversation, Ghareeb emphasizes his commitment to choosing clear and simple lyrics to connect with a wider audience.
Each artist is noted for their unique use of color and thematic elements in their music and lyrics, and this is particularly evident in Ghareeb's work. His standout tracks, such as “Kheeba” (Disappointment) and “al-Boad Motei” (Distance Is My Demise), vividly capture the themes of separation and sadness that often follow farewells. In the interview, Ghareeb talks about his preference for “melodies and calm in melancholic compositions” and shares his deep admiration for Khalid bin Abdulrahman's work since his childhood. When asked if his life has been marked by sadness, Ghareeb replies, “No, thank God. May God keep sorrow away from us and from you. I just have a deep affinity for melancholic moods.”
Contrary to the belief that Shelat meant for specific occasions or exclusively for Gulf listeners, Ghareeb explains Shelat it is flexible, performed in a variety of settings and resonates with audiences beyond the Gulf and Arab world. Ghareeb elaborates on his multifaceted nature Shelat featuring a range of subjects such as expressions of reproach and sorrow, tributes to distinguished camels, celebratory pieces for weddings and famous tribes Shelat that convey praise and pride at family events. He also notes his fan base spanning South Asia, including India, and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, underscoring the genre's broad appeal.
The rising success of young people Shelat artists like Ghareeb Al Mokhles suggests that this art form is far from a passing fad. it is a dynamic and evolving species. Its growing popularity is reflected in its growing streaming numbers and steadily expanding audience, as well as Billboard Arabia's release Shelat chart.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ghareeb-al-mokhles-billboard-arabia-1235756976/