Talib Al-Rifai to Al-Bayan: Dubai Supports Arab Creatives

In a conversation with the writer Talib Al-Rifai, he explained that he does not believe the artistic school that produced Awad Al-Doukhi and others of his generation in Kuwait and the Arab world still exists, because times have changed and it is no longer linked to artistic schools.

It has become more connected to individual selves, whether creative or not, as everyone now has their own radio station and channel, especially with the spread of social media.

There are many possibilities to communicate and engage with various types of content, as group sessions in front of the television or collective listening to the radio are no longer the common ways to receive content.

He clarified that previously, the artist would strive and exert effort to create an audience, whereas now, with social media, the situation has changed; everyone sings, dances, or recites poetry and always reaches some audience.

Regarding his novel "Doukhi.. The Melodies of Youth," Al-Rifai pointed out that his motivation to write about this creative figure was his recognition of her importance and his love for her art.

He noted that he was accustomed to hearing her from a very young age, as he grew up in a family that regularly listened to her. He also mentioned that he heard her when he moved to the United States for studies, adding:

"Al-Doukhi used to make me cry because she made me feel close to my homeland Kuwait and far from it whenever nostalgia took me. Her voice always immediately brought me back to memories of our home, my mother's food, my bed, and many details."

Regarding the late artist Awad Al-Doukhi and the musical renewal he introduced, Al-Rifai said:

"Awad Al-Doukhi grew up in a musical environment; his grandfather was a 'Naham,' meaning a ship singer, as were his father and uncle, and his brother was an oud player." Among the innovations introduced by the late Al-Doukhi, Al-Rifai said:

"The late artist was the first to introduce the female chorus and female voice, and he was also one of the most important figures to modernize the presentation of heritage. Here, I am referring to his most important song ever, which is 'Sawt Al-Suhara' (The Voice of the Night Watchmen)."