A look at the UAE music scene and the 20 best-selling albums by local artists since 2010

The UAE’s music scene has developed at a phenomenal pace.

A decade ago, only a tiny handful of decent local acts had managed to commit any original material to record. Five years ago, the first bursts of creativity could be seen with a few notable names paving the way – bands such as Abri and Nervecell, who showed that a UAE act could command listeners and headlines by releasing albums of integrity and originality.

But it was during the past years that those sprouts took root and flourished.

Juliana Down led the way when they became the first UAE act to be signed to a major label in 2011. Many artists have followed suit and the albums rolled in with dozens of musicians releasing strong, professionally produced LPs – from rock and jazz to R&B – that can proudly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those from artists anywhere around the globe.

A case of evolution and maturation, the UAE music scene no longer deserves those patronising sneers it was once so often forced to endure. This year has been perhaps the strongest yet, with major-label releases from local heavyweights Hollaphonic and Clarita de Quiroz, and a surprise hit from metal band Svengali, who recently outsold Ed Sheeran and One Direction to top the weekly UAE album charts. Later this year Two Tone and The Boxtones are expected to make their major-label debuts.

Original article by Rob Garatt

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A look at the UAE music scene and the 20 best-selling albums by local artists since 2010