Emirati singer-songwriter Alira performs at Expo 2020 Dubai on January 30, 2022.
PHOTO BY JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA
DUBAI – Emirati singer-songwriter Alira launched his new song We Are One, inspired by Expo 2020 Dubai, at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre of Expo 2020.
The hitmaker, who was joined onstage by a number of musicians, dancers and performers from around the world, put out a show that celebrated diversity and promoted unity. Watch it here:
The Emirati rising star was backed by a 90-strong ensemble that included members of the FilSoc Chorale, St. Mary’s Filipino Community Choir, African Gospel Choir, UFCA Dance Troupe, G Expat Crew and scores of other performers.
The Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre was packed with musical celebration; even the audience got up on their feet to join the performers in waving their country’s flags during the January 30 event.
“We are such a diverse number of people, but we are all connected and united at heart by love and acceptance,” Alira told the crowd at the end of his show, calling the UAE a “place for everyone and a place where we all belong”.
Alira also thanked Expo 2020 and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for the “unforgettable opportunity to share my love and unite the world in one place”.
Truly an artist who brings communities together with his music, Alira shared the opportunity with several groups to showcase their talents alongside him on stage.
“Alira’s passion and commitment to his craft is commendable. Singing alongside this gem is one of those beautiful experiences we ever had in the music scene. He is out there to use music as his way of crossing borders and reaching out,” Matilyn Bagunu, who served as choir director during the performance, told Expatmedia.net.
UAE residents also got to be a part of the performance as they waved their country’s flags at the global venue.
Junaid Khan, a Pakistani student who volunteered to carry his country’s flag at the performance, called it an “incredible opportunity that we received”. “I felt honored to be there and waving my flag. It was something unbelievable in front of many people,” Khan said.
Alira hopes to continue bridging cultures with several musical performances lined up this year, telling Expatmedia.net that he is working on releasing several original songs in 2022.
Alira is the first Emirati countertenor to break into the UAE’s music scene and quickly gained popularity for his unique ability to sing six vocal octaves.
He is also able to sing, not only in his native Arabic, but also in other languages such as Filipino, Indian, English, French and much more.
ALSO READ: Alira goes viral after perfectly singing Filipino song in Dubai
The rising star recently released his first single, Take Flight, an upbeat pop song that tells the story of everlasting love between two people. PIA/Expat Media
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