JEDDAH: With a vibrant arts and culture scene, music has been an essential element in the social renaissance of the Kingdom. Following social reforms, many musicians surfaced to showcase their talent in the music industry.
Taking the opportunity, Makan Music Center in Jeddah opened its doors in 2018 as a small music center to teach aspiring musicians.
Abdulaziz Obaid, the CEO’s assistant, told Arab News that 2018 was “a powerful beginning for music learners and hobbyists.”
“In the beginning, we only had one room with all the instruments from deejaying to electric guitars and drums. Once we saw that there is a huge demand for music education in Jeddah, we moved to a bigger place to have separate rooms for each instrument class,” he said.
He added: “We can find musicians everywhere now from restaurants to shopping malls. There is also huge competition in this field,” he said.
Abdulaziz Obaid, Makan Music Center CEO’s assistant. (Supplied)
Obaid said Jeddawis have a thirst for music events and appreciate everything from Asian to Western content.
“Jeddawis are the ‘people of music’ and are very active in the music scene,” he said. “We also have a large number of musicians visiting from Riyadh and they ask about Makan and want us to open a branch there,” he added.
Hasnain Sheikh, a drumming instructor at the center, grew up in a family of musicians that inspired him to go in to the music field.
“Growing up, my father was a musician. He played the piano and he was also into production. We had room in our home … like wherever we moved from apartment to apartment, we (always) had a studio room, and his friends used to come over to jam and play music. I grew up looking at that and wanting to also take part in the art,” Sheikh told Arab News.
“Music has always been a part of my life, like other people play video games or play sports. I was at home playing music,” he added.
Sheikh takes the responsibility of being a drummer seriously. He believes it is important to spend time and know your instrument “rather than just knowing the basics as every little details goes into account.”
DJ instructor Mohammed Darweesh, also known as Code Dee, aspired to be a music teacher during his youth.
DJ instructor Mohammed Darweesh, also known as Code Dee, teaching his student on the mixer. (Supplied)
“I like teaching people, it’s been one of the things I wanted to do since I was a kid. I wanted to be a teacher. I like sharing information, especially if it’s about my passion,” said Darweesh, who joined the center five months ago.
He became a DJ in 2015 with a particular interest in the underground scene, between minimal breaks, house and deep techno.
Speaking about his experiences from the underground music scene, Darweesh said people in Jeddah are always hungry for music events.
“There are so many people in all the events. There are very talented people who were hidden and now are coming up because of the revolution of Saudi music,” he said.
“It’s a wonderful thing and Jeddah is going to be one of the best cities for music in Saudi Arabia.”
