It is not every day that one meets local talent that is totally homegrown and on a trajectory to stardom. Muneer is an ambitious writer-performer who has set his eyes on big thing. Tempo caught up with him…
Tempo: Tell us about Muneer
Muneer: I am a 28 yrs old singer with an Emirati father and Indian mother. I went to Romania to study medicine but soon found another passion. I finished medical school in 2011 November, but I don’t practice medicine because I have decided to embrace my real passion, which is music. It started in a karaoke bar where I used to go and scream my head off. Gradually I became more serious about singing. I started by doing covers on YouTube. Soon things started going uphill from there. I began singing in bars and clubs with my live cover band in Timisoara, Romania. Luck came calling in the form of “Romania’s Got Talent”. Participating was all the motivation I needed as an artist to seriously pursue my dream. The famous Latino Romanian band called Mandinga offered to collaborate with me in 2011. I got the opportunity to tour the country. During this time I gained a lot of experience and my confidence as a performer grew.
Tempo: Tell us about your debut single
Muneer: I’d always envisioned myself as a solo artist. My debut single is called “TURN OFF THE LIGHT.” It’s also features Kaan, a Turkish rapper. The single is a sexy love song. The genre is RNB dance, and it is produced by Trucial states from UAE, in collaboration with hahaha production from Romania.
Tempo: Where does your inspiration come from?
Muneer: My inspiration comes from all the best artists out there who made me feel that even I can do something like them. If you want me to be specific, one name is surely Jay Sean.
Tempo: What have been your biggest challenges?
Muneer: It was a big challenge for me to finish medical school and still keep my feet also in for music. It was a big risk for me and there were moments when I felt like quitting, and there were problems in family and it was a very dark period. But I was positive and strong with lots of patience. Obstacles are part of the game: if there are no obstacles I think there’s no success and motivation. This song was composed almost a year ago – so you can imagine how much time it takes, and also the importance of keeping on the right track.
Tempo: What are your future plans?
Muneer: My future plan for now is to produce more singles, do lots of concerts, and to help educate the UAE music industry about international music standards. I believe that we as UAE nationals can make it in the industry, and that someone has to take a step…so here I am taking that first step. I am looking forward to taking many more steps towards making my dream a reality in 2013.
Tempo: Any advice for aspiring singers?
Muneer: Before anybody believes in you, you have got to believe in yourself and to remember where you came from. Do everything with honesty and never give up no matter what happens. And most important, take care of your vocals 🙂
Excerpt from: “Turn off the Light”
MUNEER, FEAT. KAAN
I was looking for love and devotion
I was looking for that kind of love (that kind of love)
Somebody who can answer my missed calls
Who can be there for me when the night falls
Muneer’s website: www.muneersworld.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/muneersworld
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/ALOBAIDLIMUNIR
By Ajir Shujahi
