The Middle East’s R&B sensation, Ramzi, recently released his latest album “Touch the Sky” through EMI Music Arabia.
The 28 year old singer and multi-instrumentalist was born in London to Lebanese parents. For the last few years, he has kept many proverbial plates spinning in the music industry. As a writer, producer and performer, Ramzi has worked with both established stars and the hottest names.
Dubai Chronicle’s editor had the pleasure of interviewing Ramzi and reveal new details of his life and personal taste.
Q.: Please tell us more about yourself. Where are you based, what is your education background?
A.: I’m based in London, after high school in Lebanon, I studied sound engineering and production technology at a music college in London and did three years of music theory and classical piano.
Q.: Was your decision to become a singer spontaneous and unexpected, or it was planned and well prepared move?
A.: Being an artist was what I always wanted.
Q.: Who is your role model from the music world and why?
A.: I have several role models. From a singers’ point of view, Celine Dion is amazing and has maintained her level of vocal ability after all these years. I admire Bruno Mars and Neyo for their writing capabilities, and from a producers’ point of view I’d love to be like the modern Quincy Jones.
Q.: Are your singles or albums available for download on the Internet, iTunes or something similar?
A.: Unfortunately, there is no iTunes music store in the Middle East. However, if you happen to have an account from another country – you can download my music from iTunes, otherwise my tracks are also available from the Nokia OVI store. You can buy the physical album at any Virgin Megastore though!
Q.: In what part of the Middle East you have found the warmest response from your fans and why?
A.: It’s difficult to say as I haven’t yet done promotion or toured many parts of the region, but up until now Dubai and Abu Dhabi are showing me a lot of love!
Q.: What will be your next big project: an album, a concert or maybe a tour?
A.: I want to do a lot more promotions of my current album “Touch the Sky” and the singles and follow up with a tour.
Q.: What is your favorite hangout in Dubai and why?
A.: Madinat Jumeirah is a great place to relax and get a meal – it looks like a little city in itself with a little river and lovely restaurants…I liked it a lot!
