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You have been promoted as French, Arab, Moroccan and Egyptian. What is your true ethnic background and how much do you relate to your Arab roots?
I suppose I feel more Anglo-Egyptian than anything else, due to the fact that I have been between London and Cairo for the past few years. However my ancestry is rich, but then most of the people that I have met in Cairo have varied backgrounds and ancestry - Albanian, Armenian, Greek, Turkish, Macedonian etc - so it is not uncommon under the circumstances.
You have to remember that Egypt has had several different influences and periods of mixed culture, from ancient Egyptian to Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic, Napolionic French and the English period, then back to Egyptian with Gamal Abdel Nasser. So given all of that, you can imagine how many different people from different backgrounds have been through Egypt over the last few thousand years.
Your new album came out in April. What makes it unique, and how does it differ from your previous albums?
All of my albums are said to be unique, because I am not conforming to one standard style. However, my music reflects a bit of shaabi, a bit of jeel, a bit of this, a bit of that. Plus I collaborate, so other people’s influences come into the mix.
You have been a successful solo artist for some time now. Do you miss being part of a band, as you were with Transglobal Underground, with which you first found success?
I have had a regular band for the last few years which is now starting to bond. I am looking forward to touring this year, as we are starting to sound hot and we are having fun.
What motivated you to incorporate Arab sounds into your records, and has your approach changed over the years?
My roots and my extensive traveling, having lived in different parts of the world, and what is changing is that I am maturing.
Your ex-husband Abdullah Chhadeh produces far more traditional Arabic sounds than your music. Did you produce any tracks with him or incorporate his musical influence into your own records?
He has guested on a few of my albums. He is from a more traditional background than me, however I have drawn some influence from the traditional side of things.
The Arab influence has stretched beyond the music and very much influences your image. Was this a conscience decision?
No, it just evolved as time went by.
Do you feel your music has helped make Arabic culture fashionable, or did the rise in prominence of Arabic music encourage you to commercialise the sound?
I play shows, I get North African and Arabic people who tell me they feel proud that I am promoting their culture. Some people have said I have helped restore pride in their culture. This can only be a good thing. Perhaps that could have some influence on how I approach my writing.
What plans do you have for the coming year?
I am touring extensively at the moment, in Europe for the summer, then the US for a few weeks. I have one show at Ronnie Scott's in London in October which I am looking forward to, after which we are planning to tour Europe right through to the new year.
Natacha wears Kaftan by Meriem Nour at Nour Kaftan, www.nourkaftan.com
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You have been promoted as French, Arab, Moroccan and Egyptian. What is your true ethnic background and how much do you relate to your Arab roots? I suppose I feel more Anglo-Egyptian than anything else, due to the fact that I have been between London and Cairo for the past few years. However my ancestry is rich, but then most of the people that I have met in Cairo have varied backgrounds and ancestry - Albanian, Armenian, Greek, Turkish, Macedonian etc - so it is not uncommon under the circumstances.
You have to remember that Egypt has had several different influences and periods of mixed culture, from ancient Egyptian to Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic, Napolionic French and the English period, then back to Egyptian with Gamal Abdel Nasser. So given all of that, you can imagine how many different people from different backgrounds have been through Egypt over the last few thousand years.
Your new album came out in April. What makes it unique, and how does it differ from your previous albums?
All of my albums are said to be unique, because I am not conforming to one standard style. However, my music reflects a bit of shaabi, a bit of jeel, a bit of this, a bit of that. Plus I collaborate, so other people’s influences come into the mix.
You have been a successful solo artist for some time now. Do you miss being part of a band, as you were with Transglobal Underground, with which you first found success?
I have had a regular band for the last few years which is now starting to bond. I am looking forward to touring this year, as we are starting to sound hot and we are having fun.
What motivated you to incorporate Arab sounds into your records, and has your approach changed over the years?
My roots and my extensive traveling, having lived in different parts of the world, and what is changing is that I am maturing.
Your ex-husband Abdullah Chhadeh produces far more traditional Arabic sounds than your music. Did you produce any tracks with him or incorporate his musical influence into your own records?
He has guested on a few of my albums. He is from a more traditional background than me, however I have drawn some influence from the traditional side of things.
The Arab influence has stretched beyond the music and very much influences your image. Was this a conscience decision?
No, it just evolved as time went by.
Do you feel your music has helped make Arabic culture fashionable, or did the rise in prominence of Arabic music encourage you to commercialise the sound?
I play shows, I get North African and Arabic people who tell me they feel proud that I am promoting their culture. Some people have said I have helped restore pride in their culture. This can only be a good thing. Perhaps that could have some influence on how I approach my writing.
What plans do you have for the coming year?
I am touring extensively at the moment, in Europe for the summer, then the US for a few weeks. I have one show at Ronnie Scott's in London in October which I am looking forward to, after which we are planning to tour Europe right through to the new year.
Natacha wears Kaftan by Meriem Nour at Nour Kaftan, www.nourkaftan.com
© SharqMagazine.com
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