Music

Under the embrace of the afternoon sun in Diriyah, a city known as the birthplace of the first Saudi state and a symbol of the Kingdom’s rich history, Billboard Arabia meets August cover star Ghareeb Al Mokhles for a photoshoot and an interview. In this captivating setting, Ghareeb’s enthusiasm and radiant smile reflect his deep connection to his roots. From the outset, it was clear that Ghareeb was fully at ease in this atmosphere, ready to share his insights into Shelat – a music genre known for its rhythms and vibrant melodies, with lyrics built upon colloquial Bedouin poetry.

After the photo session, the artist moves to the interview location with a calm and composed demeanor. Ghareeb is calm albeit passionate about his work and the genre of music he performs. He proudly identifies as a son of “Najran” and a devoted Shelat enthusiast, passionately discussing his lifelong love for music. He credits his inspiration to his older brother Talal and iconic artists like Mohammed Abdu and Khalid bin Abdulrahman, fondly recalling his early artistic experiences, including performing national anthems and songs during his school years.

As he shares these memories, it is clear that his deep-rooted connection to his heritage and his unwavering passion for Shelat continue to shape his artistic journey. Delving into the origins and essence of Shelat, Ghareeb explains that it is “an ancient folk heritage that has evolved into an artistic form distinct from conventional songs, marked by its Bedouin influences.” Traditionally, Shelat consists of poetic verses sung to specific melodies, often performed a cappella with echoes, originally by camel herders and during special occasions like weddings. Over time, this tradition expanded with the addition of music and instrumental arrangements, evolving into the Shelat genre we recognize today. “We’ve added rhythms and beats to it, we’ve added instrumentation.”

Ghareeb’s foray into producing Shelat began as an experimental project shared on social media in the mid-2010s. To his surprise, the overwhelmingly positive response and high demand for his work in this genre ignited a deeper passion within him. Reflecting on this, Ghareeb notes, “The audience’s enthusiasm fueled my passion for Shelat, turning it into a genuine talent. I fully embraced this art and continued to pursue it.”

Nearly a decade later, Ghareeb has established himself as a leading figure in the genre, amassing millions of views across various platforms. His 2021 release of the Shelat “Kheeba” (Disappointment) exemplifies this success, garnering nearly 240 million views on YouTube alone. He describes it as a defining moment in his career: “It marked a significant turning point for me. I was able to truly showcase my talents, and I’m deeply grateful for the success it brought. This Shelat song holds a special place in my heart, and each of my works has built upon the foundation laid by the previous ones.”

This success culminated in a record-breaking milestone, with his YouTube channel surpassing one billion views. Ghareeb credits this achievement to the widespread popularity of his Shelat, stating, “This figure reflects the audience’s appreciation of what I offer.”

Capitalizing on this record-breaking moment in the world of Shelat, we ask Ghareeb about his reaction to reaching his first million views, “It was an incredible joy,” he says. “I was in the south (of Saudi Arabia), eagerly waiting for that million. I stayed up all night.” This milestone has solidified Ghareeb’s status in the Shelat industry. Not only has he advanced the genre, infusing it with new musical and artistic dimensions, but he is also frequently cited on social media as a trailblazer in the field. His lyrics, known for their simplicity, are a key part of his appeal. During our conversation, Ghareeb emphasizes his commitment to choosing clear and straightforward lyrics to connect with a wider audience.

Each artist is distinguished by their unique use of color and thematic elements in their music and lyrics, and this is particularly evident in Ghareeb’s work. His standout tracks, such as “Kheeba” (Disappointment) and “al-Boad Motei” (Distance Is My Demise), vividly capture the themes of separation and sorrow that often follow farewells. In the interview, Ghareeb talks about his preference for “melodies and tranquility in melancholic compositions” and shares his deep-seated admiration for Khalid bin Abdulrahman’s work since childhood. When asked if his life was marked by sorrow, Ghareeb responds, “No, thank God. May God keep sadness away from us and you. I just have a deep affinity for melancholic moods.”

Contrary to the belief that Shelat is reserved for specific occasions or exclusive to Gulf listeners, Ghareeb explains that Shelat is versatile, performed across various settings, and resonates with audiences beyond the Gulf and the Arab world. Ghareeb elaborates on the multifaceted nature of Shelat encompassing a range of themes such as expressions of reproach and sorrow, tributes to distinguished camels, celebratory pieces for weddings, and renowned tribal Shelat that convey praise and pride at family events. He also makes note of his fan base spanning South Asia, including India and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, underscoring the genre’s broad appeal.

The rising success of young Shelat artists like Ghareeb Al Mokhles signifies that this art form is far from a transient fad; it is a dynamic and evolving genre. Its increasing popularity is reflected in the growing streaming numbers and a steadily expanding audience, and the launch of Billboard Arabia’s Shelat chart.