The artistic partnership that brought Ali and Nader together is a first step towards their dreams

Despite the devastating war that Syria has suffered and is suffering from, and which has displaced millions of Syrians in different countries of the world. However, many of them clung to their dreams and aspirations and tried hard to succeed in other countries. Ali Kassab is a young man who was forced by the war raging in his country to leave it and immigrate to Sweden to search for a better future. Ali came to Sweden carrying with him his great dream of reaching stardom, and he is now taking his first steps to achieve that after he met the musician, composer and arranger Nader Mukarker. Where the duo formed an artistic partnership, they began producing songs in cooperation with other parties. The duo has produced a number of songs in Arabic, and they are seeking to produce songs in other languages, including English and Swedish. As they are preparing to release their fourth song, " Mannik 3adiyeh" early next year. Mosaik newspaper interviewed the musical duo, Nader and Ali, to shed light on their artistic achievements and future plans.

Tell us about the partnership that brought you together with Nader Mukarker?

- We started the partnership when we met and found that we share the same ambition and the same aspirations, so we decided to work together. And this partnership is not limited to the two of us, but there are other people who contribute with us in the production of songs, including Mohamed Aljaloudi with hes art band in Jordan. In addition, we collaborate with a lot of songwriters. We have also been helped by many parties such as Musikhuset and Dante Enocson who works at ABF Kronoberg. Recently, we signed a partnership with SR production company, in addition to cooperation with Bilda nenos, and we currently have a concert in cooperation with Bilda that will be held in Jönköping on January 14th. Ali Kassab says.

How many songs have been produced so far?

We produced many songs, including those that have been released and are available on the YouTube channel and all music platforms. These songs are (Mema3a, Ahweh A Alshbak, Hobi Rja’ai, and the song that will be released early new year is titled "Mannik 3adiyeh." In addition to that, there are other songs that we are producing in the future, all songs are in Arabic..

Is there a plan to produce songs in other languages like English and Swedish for example?

Now we are preparing a song in Arabic and we will make an English version of the song, to participate in the Melody festival. There is a friend who can sing it in English. We want this song to be sung in both Arabic and English, if the song is nominated and the Melody festival rules allow that. Today there is a merger of songs from different languages and this is to create a wider audience that speaks different languages. I previously participated in a song in Serbian and English at the Melody Festival in Serbia in 2004, and my song ranked eighth after the liquidation, so I did not sing on stage. Nader Mukarker answers.

You are fluent in Swedish and English, and because you are in Sweden, why don't you sing in other languages?

When I sing in Arabic, I sing with a greater feeling because it is my mother tongue, and when I sing in English and Swedish, I feel that I am singing in an oriental style. Some people may like this, and others may not find this special. But I can say that music has no houmland or language. Today, the lyrics and language of the song are no longer important. What is important in the song is the sound, melody and musical arrangement. Only a few people care about the lyrics. I was raised on oriental music, and now I study western music. I will take advantage of this mixture and create great music for everyone to enjoy. In addition to that we try to go to international music. Says Ali Kassab.

To what extent do your presence in Sweden, and in Växjö in particular, help you succeed in the artistic aspect?

- Firstly, the presence of advanced technology, like recording studios equipped with the latest equipment and techniques and there are places to train, play music and sing. In addition, I had the opportunity to complete my studies in the field of music at Linnaeus University. This is very important to me and I will be graduating as a music teacher in June next year. As Ali Kassab says.

What are the main challenges you face?

- Sometimes there are difficulties in continuing the studies, and the certificates we obtained from outside Sweden are not recognized. One may have to work in another field to which he does not belong, and this makes you feel broken. You are not recognized as a musician if you were not educated in Sweden, and all your musical potential and experience are ignored. Sometimes they don't even allow you to comment on a presto or performance. In addition, there are many parties asking us to sing for free. They do not appreciate the efforts we make and the hours we spend training. In order for us to stand for an hour on the stage, there are twenty hours of training and preparation. There is a budget for everything, but not for music.” says Nader Mukarker.

Ali comments on this and says, “I have Swedish musicians friends who always say to me, ‘We are tired of always playing for free.’ In addition, there is difficulty in communicating. When I came to Sweden, I tried hard to create contact with people and companies, build relationships and hold parties, but in a moment all of that disappeared. You cannot always stay in touch with these entities or people. There is a lack of interest in the musical aspect in Kronoberg on the part of people and entities."

How will you overcome the challenges?

First, belief in our artistic talent. Secondly, I am enjoying the journey and enjoying what I am doing. In addition, we have a plan to go out and perform concerts in other cities in Sweden and abroad. We also hope for the support of the Cultural Council and the municipality of Växjö, as well as the parties related to music and working on cultural diversity. answers Ali.

What is your artistic message?

My message is to spread happiness. I feel happy when people cheer up. During parties, there is an atmosphere of intimacy between people, and this is something that makes me happy and I always like to see it. In addition, I always try to present elegant music, it is possible if I make an insignificant work of art that can spread easily and become famous, but I want to present a message in art. According to Ali Kassab.

Nader says about his artistic message that he wants to maintain the level of music.

- As a musician, I must maintain the level of high-end music from changing, I always try to present music that befits me as a musician. At the same time, music is my way of expressing my feelings. In order to produce songs that teenagers like, we must break the barrier that we were brought up on. We were brought up on high-end eastern and western music. But somehow, there must be a middle color that suits everyone. He says.

What are your future plans?

First, we will continue to produce songs, and it is possible that we will expand and produce songs in several languages. We will also continue to perform concerts. In addition, we have a plan to establish a production company in 2023.