Doha: The participation of the Qatari composer and singer Dana Al Fardan in the opening and closing ceremonies of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament has received wide commendations and standing ovation from a plethora of people because of her powerful voice, distinct performance and success in combining the Arabic music with the western one.
Al Fardan's performance raised the interest of the media when she showed up in Qatari garments among a substantial number of international and Arab artistes. It was a completion of the tournament's message to introduce the world to the Qatari and Gulf cultures and customs, and ensure that the Gulf and Arabic people can access universalism while simultaneously maintaining their customs, traditions and legacies.
In her statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Fardan said that her singing both in the opening and closing ceremonies of the tournament underscored the trust of the State of Qatar in the abilities and talents of the Qatari young people, and the desire to be in the front, and this is very remarkable.
She said it was evidenced by what she saw, along with the trust she was granted to participate in this global event, adding that this essentially places major responsibility on their shoulders to best represent the State of Qatar through the right way in commensurate with the customs and traditions of the Qatari community.
Al Fardan hoped that she perfectly represented her country in the global event.
She said that she was chosen by the director Ahmed Al Baker, which underscores that there is a desire of the concerned entities in the state to offer opportunities for the young Qatari talents, and she is proud of that. She added that such participation is a unique experience for her, specially as it was a major sporting event to be held in Qatar and for the first time in an Arab country and Middle East region which left indelible memories that would remain for ever.
Al Fardan pointed out that the songs she performed both in the opening and closing ceremonies were basically meant to convey the Qatari culture, identity and customs, along with the Qatari fine art to the entire world, and underscore that Qatar is definitely abound with artists whose performances are not much less than the current international artists. And to simultaneously confirm that Qatar is generous and hospitable and welcomes all, which are things derived from the Arab and Islamic traditions.
She said her participation in the song of “Umm Al Hanaya” during the opening ceremony portrays that the old Qatari woman welcomes and cares for everyone which confirms this message, and the keenness to show up with the Qatari traditional fashion underscores the pride in the Qatari identity and traditions.
With regard to her ability in combining the oriental music and song with the western ones, she said that she always prefers this combination, and she had performed them perfectly since the early stage when she started to sing. And she can combine between the Arabic, Korean and Indian songs together, along with her ability to train the band of Ajyal Tunes as part of Ajyal Film Festival 2022 since 2019.
Al Fardan pointed out that after the Qatari voice had participated in this global festival, it would be possible for the Qatari song to potentially vibrate in other global festivals. She anticipates that the future will witness further successful Qatari voices and talents.
