JEDDAH, 9 July 2004 — A scintillating performance by singer Muhammad Abdu at the Youth Welfare Sports Center near Prince Abdullah Stadium launched this year’s festive summer season of musical evenings here.
One of the pioneers of Saudi singers, Abdu attracted around 4,000 people to his concert. Hamed Sarhaan, the concert organizer said, “Even though more than 4,000 concert tickets were printed, we were sold out weeks ago.”
Abdu began the night with an unexpected surprise by singing an unreleased song against terrorism called “Kawkab Al-Ardh” (Planet Earth).
Nizar Abdulaziz, a Mohammad Abdu fan said, “I know all of his songs, old and new. He took me completely by surprise. It is a sign of his musical genius.”
Another attendee said, “I don’t think any other singer has been as bold or original as Muhammad Abdu.”
Abdu sang a mixture of old and new songs during the show with the audience responding passionately. In the breaks between songs, fans made their way to the stage to take photographs of the singer with their mobile phone cameras.
Tickets for the concert were sold in two categories: SR100 for seats in the terraces and SR1,000 for seats closer to the stage. Some buyers were disappointed over the ticket prices, calling them unfair. Omar Ahmad said, “You either pay SR100 or SR1, 000. There should have been a compromise. I can afford to pay more than SR100 but not SR1,000.”
Some attendees expressed other suggestions. Fahd Al-Ghamdi said, “I wish there had been a place for women. I would have loved to bring my mother and sisters. They would have enjoyed this. I am sure it would have brought in more money as well.”
Abdu concluded the concert with his hit song “Bint Al-Nour” (Daughter of Light) at 4 a.m. As the singer struggled to make his way to an awaiting car, fans gathered round for autographs.
The scheduled summer festival concerts are estimated to cost around half a million US dollars.
