Jazz and new beginnings

It’s been a long time since I last updated this page. My apologies as It has been a hectic period. It has had its ups and downs. I had a few operations on my back. My fourth to date. And I really want to thank the doctors, nurses, and the whole medical team here. It really was excellent and they had me back up and running in no time. Mind you I’m a very hard person to keep down anyway and the recovery was hard and I am sure I drove all involved slightly bonkers with my lack of patience, but we got there and I am only too happy to be back singing.

I sang at numerous events such as the Global Aerospace Summit in Abu Dhabi, BVLGARI, Travel Arabia and Dewar’s. The latter gave me the opportunity to put together an amazing bunch of excellent jazz musicians from all corners of the world; Russia, Scotland, India, Kazakhstan, England and of course, Ireland; Me J. It truly was so memorable from start to finish, here’s a clip of our very first rehearsal that I’m so proud of http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4WmvIj8W1c. Some great Jazz from a bunch of musicians that I will perform with again and again. And here’s a pic of all on the night.

We are now at the end of the Holy month of Ramadan and beginning of Eid. For those who are not familiar with Ramadan, let me give you some of my experience. Firstly this is my third Ramadan living in Dubai. It is also a month that never ceases to amaze me by all that is happening around me. Dubai goes very quiet compared to the usual hustle and bustle. Ramadan is a month of fasting and contemplating. Most Western children go home and often the entire family. My own children returned home in July and the house and everything around you becomes very calm and peaceful. It’s quite amazing because you actually do have the opportunity to contemplate and think about life and the world around you. You become very aware of people who are fasting and hugely respect their values. Therefore you do not eat or drink in public or around those fasting as a sign of respect.

Ramadan is also a month of extreme kindness and generosity. Every day, come sunset, people break their fast. But also you see many tents erected everywhere here for the poor to break their fast. Free food and drink is donated to help the poor. And if you happen to be driving at sunset. No matter who you are. If you stop at major traffic junctions, you will be presented with a little gift. I happened to be at one of these junctions at sunset one day and was presented with a box containing water, dates and fruit juices. One of the kindest gestures I have seen. There truly is an air of hope and happiness throughout. Especially at a time where there is a lot of atrocities being committed around the world. Which brings me to my next topic; Palestine.

When you get to the stage when you can no longer bear to watch the news on the ongoing slaughter of Palestinians every day. I never stop praying for these people. And I truly wish the world could come together to end these atrocities. Me being Irish I have a huge compassion for the Palestinians. As we too were slaughtered for many years. I hope one day, they will enjoy the freedom that we enjoy now. I never stop thinking about the defenseless women and children who live in terror every day. I can now see that the world is taking action and if we all work together maybe these people will be allowed to live like we are all given the right to as human beings.

Now we are celebrating Eid. It’s a time to thank god for what we are given. Visit the family and friends, and exchange gifts. I will soon see my lovely boys again whose laughter and great chats I miss terribly now. I love Eid and this is my third one in this country. Dubai reverts back to its vibrant life and the music begins again. I for one, am so looking forward to the next season.

I have just finished recording some great Jazz tunes that I’m hoping I’ll be able to share with you over the next few weeks .The full band will be back in rehearsals soon and I will be announcing upcoming performances etc. So watch this space. And Eid Mubarak to all my lovely friends and family.

Jazz in Arabia

I welcomed 2014 with a wonderful opportunity to perform my first ever wedding. Now let me tell you a little bit of history; I have never actually performed at a wedding, this was never on my agenda. However, this exceptional couple both of Arabic origin living in Paris contacted me. They were a lovely couple and their love of jazz was music to my ears. It turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences performing with my band at their Arabic themed wedding. I will never say never.

After the wedding, they sent me the most beautiful email ever. And as they said ‘viva le Jazz’.

A few days later I received an email from an Emirati lady asking me to perform at her birthday celebration at the end of January. We agreed to meet to discuss details. I cannot begin to explain how pleasantly surprised I was to meet this beautiful young lady and her most beautiful mother laughing, loving and sharing my songs. I really felt, after all the hard work, the Arabs and I share the same love of music.

They knew every song, every artist and I was so excited as, again, this was a first for me. Now, taking into account that I met these two beautiful ladies wearing the local dress with their hair covered up. All that was visible to me was their faces. When I arrived at the party, which was a Disney themed event with all the old romantic Disney tunes, I was utterly blown away by their beauty, their magnificent hair and their exceptional style. I will never forget the manner in which I was treated. I can honestly say this will stay with me for life. 

Their kindness, their respect, their culture and I really felt at home. We had such a great fun evening.  And to see the entire party up dancing to tunes like Sway, Whatever Lola wants, King of the swingers etc. was a dream come true. I laughed and danced with them and couldn’t believe they knew every Jazz song that I performed. I have never experienced anything like this before. For the first time ever, I sang ‘happy birthday’ in Arabic ‘sana helwa ya jameel…..’

Finding Ireland in Dubai

Being Irish living in Dubai, one tends to miss the lush green and a little bit of rain. But, I have discovered my own little piece of Ireland in the magnificent surroundings of Safa Park. It is Dubai’s answer to Central Park. This park offers you everything. At the week end, it is full of hustle and bustle. You can hear none stop laughter of people enjoying the sunshine to the full. Dubai is truly magnificent at this time of the year. The temperature is just right and every now and then we get a few showers. When I’m walking in these showers, I really feel back at home.

The flea market and the organic food market in the park are a must at the week-end. Bring plenty of cash because you are going to spend it.

During the week, the park is the most peaceful haven. This is when I go for my daily walk around the park and meet people from all nationalities and walks of life. I do have one complaint; my adorable woof woof Maximus is not allowed. I do understand this as I can honestly say that Dubai is the cleanest city I have ever lived in. and I lived in many of them.

I discover new things about this huge park every day. It is a wonder how they keep the park this green. I truly have found my piece of Ireland. Who knows, I may end up singing Jazz in the Park.

Sunshine and Christmas tree

The last 10 days were very eventful. I do not know where to begin; Dubai won Expo 2020, and little did I know I would be right in the middle of the celebrations with my husband, sons and friends. It was a beautiful winter’s evening where I sang outdoor with my band surrounded by cameras and media. Everybody was wondering if we would win the big Expo 2020. For those of you who do not live in Dubai , U will wonder what all the fuss is about… very simple, Dubai is on its way back and plans to make it the hub of the world are well and truly on the way I can see it everyday. And here I am wondering, in the middle of the fireworks and celebrations, how it all happened. There is a reason why, because Dubai deserves an outright win. I do not think any other city deserves it better than the Dubai. What I have seen accomplished here in 2 years is beyond belief. Plus, everything is done in harmony. So looking forward to the next 7 years.

To give you a glimpse of what living in Dubai is like, we have become very fond of an area in Dubai known as Satwa. I cannot describe to you what this little village is all about, behind the towering skylines of Dubai lies this crazy 24/7 town. The hustling and bustling, chatter and car horns and sounds of mosques gives it this incredible unique atmosphere.   We buy lots of things from freshly made bread to every nick and knack that u can possibly imagine from these lovely, friendly people. They now have become accustomed to the red head and the Arab. For example, the hustling and bustling that took place while buying our Christmas tree was a script for a Hollywood film. We were escorted from the main shopping street through back doors, backyards and alleyways to a waiting truck that had just arrived from Scandinavia full of the most beautiful Christmas trees. Now people from Dubai know there are a lot of easier and luxurious ways to buy a Christmas tree. But my god you cannot beat this experience. After all the wheeling and dealing we eventually agreed on a price to a great cheer as we managed to drop it from 1,200 to 550 dirhams (120 euros). A great day’s work. Here is a picture of it now.

Thank you so much to all our friends in Satwa….. Happy Christmas.

We also attended our very first Thanks Giving with great friends. What shocked me most about this experience  is all the politics and war that is happpening  in the world at present, I have never sat with a more genuine, kind and peace loving people. At the table we sat Syrian, American, Czech, Palestinian and of course, Irish. How I wish there was a fly on the wall to record the events of this memorable evening. The stories that were told from all different cultures were hilarious. One in particular was our friend who was working in Africa and visited a top restaurant and ordered a roast chicken. The chicken arrived at the dismay of our friend missing a leg. When he questioned the management he was quickly informed “sorry sir, this is way the chicken arrived’. Another hilarious story was when they asked the maid to wash the dog. Soon after, they ran to the sound of the dog barking only to see the maid scrubbing the dog on the washboard. The poor maid had never washed a dog before , but happily both the maid and dog lived to tell the tale… woof woof. The best thanks giving ever. For the first time in my life somebody spoke more than me ha ha.

On the following Monday Dec 2nd we celebrated national Day . We experienced the biggest fireworks display I have ever seen. The actual sky lite up. Not only in celebration of national day but also the win of Expo 2020. Kids were off school and a great holiday feel. People ask me do I miss Ireland at Christmas and of course I do. I miss Christmas Eve with my closest friend Pat Conway and his yummylicious Irish Coffees, old familiar faces , great sing songs  , open fires and that Incredible Christmas spirit……but you know what I have created my very own . God help my lovely Emirati neighbours who by now for sure could sing you every Christmas song that Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland have ever sang. But it is all in good Christmas fun. One thing I can be very certain of .....I  am dreaming of a White Christmas.

Just before I say good bye till the next time, there is one other subject to share with you; an Irish friend of mine, Toni Leslie, posted on her Facebook page a wonderful story on how the Muslims helped the Irish during the great famine under the reign of Queen Victoria. Enjoy the read here an incredible story. http://abiggersociety.com/how-quickly-we-forget-how-muslims-helped-ireland-during-the-great-famine/

My Irish friends in Cork, I miss you all dearly and hope very soon you will meet my new ones.

One last note; we have lost one of the greatest men of modern history this week. Nelson Mandela. If we were only touched a little bit by his greatness, the world will be such a great place. Nelson, may your soul rest in peace. I hope you dance to this in heaven https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgtcTVDcjH0&feature=youtube_gdata_player

My Arab

My first post

Hi, my name is Anita Williams. I am a Jazz singer from Ireland and my husband is from Damascus, Syria. We have been living in Dubai for the last 2 years. 

Coming from Catholic Ireland and being married to a Muslim Arab and living in the Middle East has been an incredible journey. I have decided to write this blog to hopefully educate people like me who knew very little about the extraordinary way of life in this country.

I have encountered acts of such kindness from everybody here in every walk of life. It all started when I chose to marry my husband under Sharia law in a Muslim court. I was treated with incredible kindness by everyone who dealt with our marriage. From the lovely ladies at the help desk to the judge himself who was actually so humble and explained to me that Islam is not what you see around you and I hope one day you will see what true Islam is all about. 

Having shocked most of my family and friends by getting married to an Arab Muslim and living in Dubai, I never questioned my decision. Because when you know you know.

I have many lovely stories to tell about how my life has changed by far for the better. I now wake every morning to the sound of call for prayer (Athan) at dawn and find it the most beautiful way to start your day. It is quite amazing as we live in between 5 mosques and the variation of voices and characters is mystical. I have had friends and family stay who found these early morning calls for prayer intimidating at the start of their visit only to grow to love them like I have at the end of their stay.

Being a Jazz singer and coming from completely different background, I find it a very peaceful beginning to your day. 

My life has transformed completely. I really have found inner peace living in this society. I have made incredible friends; Muslims and none Muslims and I realized how ill-informed I and most other are about life and living in the Middle East. 

As a character, I am quite flamboyant. Flaming Irish red hair with the personality to match and have seen nothing but kindness and respect from the Muslim culture that I have encountered in this country. I have never felt restricted with my life since we moved here. Contrary to what people believe. I have come to learn that Dubai and the Middle East is all about respect.

Taking into consideration that I am a Jazz singer and I had no idea what opportunities if any would come my way in the Arab community..... I was pleasantly surprised. I have been so fortunate with the most amazing performances that have come way.....ie Fifi Arabia Perfume Oscars , Middle East Fashion Awards , Diamond Exchange World launch  to name but a few. I have sang at the breathtaking famous dancing fountains at the Burj Khalifia , to the magnificent Burj Al Arab and the magical Atlantis . In other words the Arabs and Jazz Singer have just got on famously.

Nothing could have prepared me for the wonderful, warm reception I have received from these very humble polite people. I am treated with such respect living here and I do not even speak the language.

My next topic......Being married to An Arab has been a huge plus. The most obvious is Khaled, my husband, speaks fluent Arabic and has hugely helped me along my journey. In a society where over 80% of the population are of foreign origin there is an incredible tolerance by locals to foreigners in this very peaceful society. Quite frankly I have never felt so safe and I do not speak the language. However my next goal is to conquer this and I really hope that one day I will stand proud and sing an Arabic song. One never knows the very first Arabic Jazz tune.

I am so very proud to have been asked to perform at the final announcement of Expo 2020 at the Capital Club in Dubai to be part of this memorable event. To me this shows that Dubai is all about opportunity. Everything is possible here if you are willing to work hard for it. I am proof of this and wish Dubai the best of luck in winning the nomination of Expo 2020. It will make us all so very proud.

Will write all about the events of the evening in my next post along with many very funny adventures. In the meantime, please listen to my songs here www.anita-williams.com Hopefully we'll meet along the way.