Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Legendary singer Ebi recently brought his signature Persian pop style to Saadiyat Nights, captivating the audience with a performance that reminded fans why he remains one of the most beloved voices in the region.
Renowned for his deeply emotive songs and timeless lyrics, Ebi, real name Ebrahim Hamedi, has built a career that transcends generations, earning him a loyal global fanbase.
In an exclusive interview with Aletihad, the 75-year-old icon reflected on the influences that shaped his artistry, his journey from humble beginnings in Karaj in Iran to international acclaim, and his thoughts on Abu Dhabi's cultural vibrancy.
What role did your family and childhood play in shaping your passion for music and performing?
My mother was a very big influence as she always sang in the kitchen and around the house. She wasn't a trained singer, but had a natural talent, which is what first piqued my interest in music as a child.
Describe your journey from being born in Karaj to becoming an international artist
I would describe it as an adventure filled with challenges and sacrifices, yet one filled with so much beauty and love. I've been very fortunate in my life, and I'm thankful for everything within it on a daily basis.
You've been such a prominent voice in Persian pop music for five decades. What do you think has kept your music so relevant across generations?
I'm a firm believer that it's the lyrics of my music, or any music, that makes it evergreen. Sure, good melodies and arrangements also hold their own over time, but it's the meaning of the songs that captivate the audience. And when you have a song with great lyrics that people can connect to, no matter how old they are or what year it is, that's when you get a cross-generational connection.
We're delighted to have you perform in Abu Dhabi. What was your first impression of the city when you arrived?
It's a beautiful city! And having personally witnessed its transformation over the last three decades, you can't be anything but amazed. What's truly heartwarming is the focus that's been placed on promoting the arts, whether it be architecture, music, or historical objects, you can sense the artistry of the region very clearly.
Have you had a chance to experience any of our culture and tourist attractions? If so, what did you enjoy most?
Since I'm usually here for business and more often than not on tour, I haven't had a chance to explore as much as I would wish, but I plan to make up for it this time around.
What were the highlights of your career – maybe a song or concert that you consider your breakthrough or a pinnacle moment?
I've had so many it's very difficult to pinpoint which one was the most important. But very early on, Mr. Fereidon Farrokhzad who at the time had the biggest television programme in my country, brought me onto his show, and that was really the first time I was introduced to such a large audience, and I guess the rest is history. The other moment that changed my entire life including taking my career to the next level was when meeting my wife Mahshid Hamedi Boromand, who later managed my career for years, before handing the reins to my son and current manager Farshid Rafe Rafahi. I always say that she gave me a second lease on life.
Your songs have been known to often have deep emotional impact. How do you go about creating music that touches people so deeply?
As mentioned earlier, the first step in my process is always the lyrics. If I can't connect to the lyrics, if they're too simple, or repetitive, I can't connect to the song. That's always been my mantra.
Your fanbase spans the globe, from Tehran to Los Angeles. How do you maintain a connection with your fans – even from afar?
I try to spend as much time as I can with my fans. I always try to stick around after the shows, oftentimes for hours, getting to meet and take photos with my fans. No matter if I'm at the airport, having dinner with my family, or just out and about. I always love meeting my fans and seeing how happy they get. Obviously, these days there's so many more options available - social media and the internet - so I try to utilise that too by having large-scale digital gatherings when I get to see and connect with my fans. I truly love them all!
In your earlier days as a musician, you were part of multiple bands (The Rebels, Sunboys and Black Cats). What did those early experiences and collaborations teach you about performing and creating music?
Well, the main thing is that it taught me that I am part of a larger group. Sure, I might be the lead vocalist and the outward face, but when performing, I'm just another part of a larger group, where each person is equally as important and without which we could not perform.
Over the years, you've worked with legendary lyricists and poets like Ardalan Sarfaraz and Zoya Zakarian. How do these collaborations add to your creative process as an artist?
I've had the opportunity to work with all of the best songwriters and lyricist, and that's part of what's allowed me to create such a unique catalogue of work, including the works I've produced together with Iraj Jannati Ataei and Siavash Ghomeishi.
Over the years, Persian music has evolved and expanded to genres like rock, hip hop and rap. How do you feel about the new generation of Iranian musicians and artists?
I think it's great. Music is an ever-evolving thing, trying to hinder it is useless, and a waste. Sure, there's a lot of low-quality work being released as it's become so much easier to create and release music, but there is so much talent out there, in all genres, so I'm very happy to see that Persian music is ever-evolving.
Many younger Iranian artists see you as a role model. How does it feel to know your legacy continues to inspire the next generation of musicians and what advice do you have for aspiring musicians?
I'm just happy to see that my music and my career inspires others. I'm not much for giving advice, other than to always stay true to yourself, your morals and ethics. We are all human and we make mistakes, but as long as you keep your moral compass straight, and never stop believing in yourself, the rest will fall into place.
What's your favourite thing about Abu Dhabi?
It's mixture of old heritage and modernisation.
