Omar Kamal: From Nablus to the Moon
By: Holly Johnson/Arab America Contributing Writer
Incandescent, honey-eyed, classically smooth – these are a few of the ways in which one could describe the rich timbre of popular singer, Omar Kamal.
Dubbed the “Palestinian Frank Sinatra,” Kamal is best known for his artful renditions of iconic tunes such as: “Fly Me To The Moon,” “Sway,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and the national anthem of Iraq, “Mawtini.”
Born in Nablus, a city in the Northern West Bank, Kamal was a young child of eight when violence shook his region with the start of the Second Intifada uprising, a period of brutality between Israelis and Palestinians.
Music as an Escape
As social unrest intensified, Kamal spent copious amounts of time indoors turning to music for solace. Learning to play the piano gave Kamal a purpose as the delicate stroke of the keys proved therapeutic, providing comfort and escape.
With his mother, a classically trained vocalist, and father, an avid music lover, one could almost say that Kamal was destined to find a meaningful connection to the art. However, it was truly his discovery of Sinatra’s masterpiece, “Fly Me to The Moon,” that filled Kamal with obsession and inspiration to create.
At the age of 14, Kamal attended an international music festival in Germany, which contributed to both his appreciation for classical music and the unique blend of orchestration that permeates his sound today.
Relocating to Cardiff to pursue a degree in engineering did not stop Kamal from imbibing in his favorite pastime. He formed a band, releasing covers of regional classics such as, Fairuz’s “Li Beirut,” and Sinatra’s, “What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life?“
From the Dorms of Cardiff to the Halls of Sony Dubai
For his first album, “Serenade,” Kamal turned to the classics that had sparked his love of music at a tender age, paying homage to singers whose talent had contributed to his good fortune.
Working with industry production A-listers such as Dave Pierce (Michael Buble) and Bob Rock (Metallica/Mötley Crüe), the surreal experience culminated in a recording session at the famed Capitol Studios, which Kamal’s idol Sinatra crafted more than a dozen of his signature albums.
Mixed by 23-time Grammy award winner Al Schmitt, “Serenade” brought Kamal to the attention of millions worldwide, as his debonair swagger instantly drew comparisons to Ol’ Blue Eyes.
A subsequent international promotional campaign and tour proved successful for Kamal, whose rising popularity allotted him performances at coveted venues such as Dubai Opera House and Aldwych Theatre in London.
A Multifaceted Creator Showing Fans the Light
Elated by the efficacious response to his debut, Kamal set to work crafting his second creation, “Show Me The Light.” Taking his fans on an artistic voyage that spotlights his journey from a citizen of the West Bank to a Sony recording artist, Kamal’s fervent passion for crafting original art is on full display.
Despite the current pandemic dampening plans for an international tour, Kamal remains hopeful for future opportunities, including engagements in the United States.
Although the disruption is tedious, Kamal has remained productive throughout quarantine, choosing to record new material in London during the unprecedented downtime. He recently released his rendition of Ahmad Kaabour’s masterpiece, “Ya Rayeh Sawb Bladi.” The recording stands as a testament to Kamal’s enduring sentimentality for his homeland.
Kamal’s latest engagement involves a virtual appearance with Arab America, where he will be speaking, performing, and answering questions live from London for the organization’s ‘cousins’ on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 4 p.m. EST. Those interested in attending this historic Zoom event can register here.
While Kamal might have reached the moon with his homage to Sinatra, his ascendance among the stars is only just beginning.
Check out Arab America’s blog here!