Ihab Darwish and Creating Sounds of the Sahraa

Emirati Composer Ihab Darwish, 47, takes us through a journey of music that delights the soul

Tell us about your business – what inspired the idea and when did you start it?
My passion for music started when I was 10. For years I practised it as a hobby, rather than a professional career. I was composing, experimenting, and playing the keyboard for classical and modern music at that time. Ten years ago, I developed my knowledge utilising technology and musical software with virtual instruments. I taught myself how to use them and to compose a full-scale symphony orchestra from the studio in my house, and I decided to take it to the next level professionally.

I equipped my own home studio and then started this amazing musical journey. I was privileged to meet wonderful people on my path, and always felt destined to meet the team that I have now. I released my first album in 2018 and had a premiere concert in Abu Dhabi. Since then, I have published two more albums, worked with Hollywood composers, and created many songs for special events as well as for other artists.

What do you consider to be your greatest personal and professional achievements?
They are related. All the steps I took led me to work closely with international Hollywood film music composers, within only five years since I officially started. I was lucky to also work with some of the greatest solo artists in the world, and I received an invitation to be a voting member at the Grammy Recording Academy. When I think of it, I feel proud of what I did, in such a short time. Thanks to Abu Dhabi Music and Art Foundation and specifically HE Huda Al Khamis Kanoo for supporting me all the way.

What are the keys to creating a profitable business?
Working as a professional composer, I would say to be authentic and work very hard every day, working with professionals and strategic partners on all levels. You need to develop both artistic and management skills to understand how to market yourself, and everything else will follow. There is no shortcut.

What were your biggest business challenges? How did you overcome them?
Having two careers at the same time is a big challenge, I work in Human Resources as well as a composer. I also need to make time – working on symphonic music is time-consuming composing and writing for all the instruments while balancing projects and deadlines. But good teamwork makes everything possible.

What three pieces of advice would you give to the younger generation that might want to follow in your footsteps?
Work hard, invest in and believe in yourself. It’s not easy but it’s rewarding. Learn about the digital world and benefit from technology, it provides so many opportunities. Don’t be afraid of trying; just compose and let people discover you.

How do you manage the daily stress that comes with running a business?
Music is my therapy. I go to my studio and just surround myself with sounds. In addition, I watch a lot of movies focusing on soundtracks and talk to my friends – it always helps.

If you look back over your life and career, if you were given the opportunity to do anything different would you?
To be honest, I am a big believer in God’s will and wisdom, everything has its time and purpose. My musical career path started at the right time and place. I feel so grateful for all the experiences I have gained. Some were bitter, some sweet, but everything happens for a reason, and it is a lesson. I am privileged to say that I would not change anything.

What is important to you?
Family, friends, moments of happiness, enjoying the journey, not just the destination. I surround myself with people who wish me well and support me all the way.

Have your priorities changed as you have matured? If so, how?
I don’t think not so much. I have always been committed to my country, family, friends, and the work I do. No matter what I do, I give it 100 per cent – that’s my character and style. My main aim through my music is to spread the meaning of humanity, virtues of tolerance, peace, love and positivity and to be the ambassador of goodwill, and to create bridges of cultures between the UAE and the world.

What inspires you?
It started with the nostalgia of my childhood, watching Japanese animation dubbed into Arabic, and continued during my higher studies in Lebanon where I started to fall in love with film soundtracks.

Abu Dhabi, my hometown, is one of the biggest sources of inspiration behind my compositions. In a short time, Abu Dhabi became one of the fastest and most developed cities, breaking limits with its urban development, and becoming a melting pot of cultures. The city prioritises knowledge, education, and futuristic progression, yet still maintains its traditions and rich Arabian culture which I reflect on in my music.

Five years ago, I dedicated one of the pieces on my first album to Abu Dhabi, titled Abu Dhabi Renaissance, Beyond Limit which symbolises the growth of the capital. My country made me learn about different cultures and infuse different styles and genres in my music symphonic compositions.

Do you prioritise your mental health, and how?
I try to keep a balance between work and life. I try to enjoy each step of the journey and plan activities not related to work like cinema, sport, and travel.

This article appeared in Issue 002 – the Men’s Edition