Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Indian singer-songwriter Shilpa Ananth attributes her genre-defying musical identity to the rich cultural tapestry of the UAE, where diverse influences have shaped her sound.
In an interview with Aletihad, Ananth reflected on her journey as an artist – from her early Carnatic music training in Dubai to her role as a mentor at Berklee Abu Dhabi, where she is committed to fostering local talent.
She feels a profound sense of purpose in giving back to the community that helped shape her distinctive sound. "It feels like I am exactly where I was meant to be. Being part of a thriving artist community is incredibly meaningful, and having the opportunity to contribute to its growth makes it even more special," she said.
Her musical roots trace back to her childhood in Dubai, where she began her Carnatic music training at the age of three and later took up Bharatanatyam dance.
"Though no one else in the family has pursued music professionally, it is an integral thread in the fabric of our existence. Whether it was spiritual, or classical, or folk, or film songs, my home was filled with sound all day every day," she recalls.
Her foundation in classical music was complemented by exposure to Western genres like pop, R&B, jazz, rock, and hip hop. Ananth is the lead instructor for Berklee Abu Dhabi's Vocal Programme, where she mentors young musicians. Her teaching approach is focused on two key values: patience and empathy.
"I don't really have any specific approach because each student has unique, individual needs, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution to their challenges or queries. I listen to what they need, encourage and support them throughout so they don't lose sight of their goals or what brought them to Berklee Abu Dhabi in the first place," she explained.
"Then I just do my best to be there for them as we go through their musical journeys together. Establishing trust is the most important thing, and once such a connection is made, I do everything I can to make sure it cannot be broken."
Aside from her teaching role, Ananth has made her mark as one of the featured artists in Made in the Emirates, a vinyl compilation celebrating the UAE's diverse musical offerings. "I'm very proud to be a part of something that was born and made in the UAE," she said.
Curated by Jayesh Veralkar from Vinyl Souk Records, the album spans genres such as psychedelic funk, jazz and Khaleeji folk, with contributions from artists from a range of cultural backgrounds.
"For all of us, we were either born and raised here, or have moved and lived here for many years, or else are part of the MENA region. But regardless of what passport we hold, we are all here now, creating, building, pushing, transforming and forging our own path and space within the ever-evolving music industry."
Reflecting on the message she hopes listeners will take away from the album, Ananth said: "I hope they can hear the depth, capability and passion that fuels the diverse and multicultural talent of the local music community in the UAE. And that they feel belonging within our music, see a piece of themselves in us, and know that if we could find a way to follow our dreams, then so can they."
Ananth describes her taste as a "melting pot of musical worlds", credited to being a third-culture kid growing up in the UAE. She shared the intuitive process through which she balances her multicultural background in her music.
"I never force anything while in the songwriting process, and allow the emotion to show me which language it wishes to be expressed in, it might flow out in Malayalam if I'm sad, or maybe in Tamil if I am on a quest, sometimes Hindi peaks its head out wanting to be heard, and English when I am most vulnerable and doubting my words," said Ananth.
"They are all living in harmony inside me, and become amplified once I layer them over some of my favourite genres from the West like jazz, soul, R&B and electronica."
Food, too, has played an influential role in her art. Ananth associates many of her creative breakthroughs with nostalgic memories of childhood meals.
She fondly recalls enjoying fresh cheese reqaq and luqaimat at Heritage Village, banana chips with aapam and potato stew made by her mom and running around Global Village with friends.
Currently, Ananth is working on her third album, collaborating with producers and musicians in the UAE, India and the US. In her role at Berklee Abu Dhabi, she aims to contribute to the UAE's burgeoning music scene by nurturing budding local talent.
"I have grown up in this country and witnessed its incredible growth, so I know this is only the beginning of what's yet to come. I hope to contribute by supporting local talent, encouraging the creation and performance of original music, and working toward the bigger dream of seeing the UAE recognised as a musical nucleus – one that continues to nurture artists and enable them to build sustainable and fulfilling global careers."
