Wednesday 30 / October / 2024
Muscat: British-born Omani musician Zehy Al Dhabari is making waves in the vibrant London jazz scene with his band Yazatas. Since their formation in the summer of 2022, the group - featuring lead vocalist Jezmond Farren, Zehy on drums, and bassist Zak Dajani - has captivated audiences with electrifying performances and two well-received singles.
As they prepare for the highly anticipated release of their debut jazz album, Shadow Characters, set for the end of this year or early next, Yazatas is poised to leave a lasting mark on the music world.
“Creating music that resonates with people is what drives me,” Zehy shared in an exclusive interview with Times of Oman on Tuesday. “We’re excited about the album and the chance to connect with audiences, especially in Oman, where my roots lie.”
Zehy’s musical journey began at the tender age of six, inspired by his schoolteacher, Ms. Jacqueline Van at Fairley House. “While most children spent their days playing outside, I was drawn to music at Portland Place School,” he recalled.
“I transitioned from the recorder to the piano and violin before discovering my passion for drums at ten. By fifteen, music was no longer just a hobby; it was my calling.”
His formative years were enriched by influential mentors like Dimitrios Rallis, who taught him composition and the intricacies of electronic music software. “Dimitrios opened my eyes to the possibilities of sound,” Zehy reflected.
“By sixteen, I was fully immersed in jazz, honing my craft as a drummer while actively participating in my school’s orchestra and percussion ensemble.”
Zehy’s academic journey took him to West Thames College, where he earned a B.Tech in music, followed by a degree in jazz from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
“One of the toughest challenges was a listening test where I had to identify 50 to 60 albums and 350 recordings,” he explained. “I was proud to pass on my first attempt.”
Supported by his parents - his mother, Her Highness Sayyida Zawan bint Fahr Al Said, a member of the Omani royal family and a former popular radio presenter in Oman, and his father, Brig (Retd) Abdullah Al Dhabari - Zehy found the encouragement he needed to pursue his dreams.
“My mother often recalls how I clung to a toy clown that played ‘Old McDonald Had a Farm’ at just two and a half years old,” he shared. “That connection to music has always been a part of me.”
After college, Zehy navigated the challenges of finding spaces to practice, leading him to valuable experiences at the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy. “It was a pivotal moment for me,” he said. “My mother even took me to the renowned Ronnie Scott Jazz Club for an audition, which opened so many doors.”
Zehy’s musical journey took a significant turn when he had a chance meeting with South African Jezmond at a French restaurant ‘Lamour’ during one of his early performances after showcasing his potential at the Chelsea Arts Club.
“Meeting Jezmond was serendipitous,” he recalled. “With the addition of bassist Zaki, a British national with Palestine roots, Yazatas quickly formed a unique identity, and we’ve been gaining momentum ever since.”
As Yazatas continues to grow, Zehy dreams of performing in Oman. “It would be a full-circle moment,” he said, beaming at the thought. “To perform in Oman, where my roots are, would mean everything.”
Zehy expressed his gratitude to his mentors – Ms Jacqueline, Sam Jesson, Mark Fletcher and Asaf Sirkis - at different stages of his musical journey The 25-year-old draws inspiration from a wide array of musicians, with jazz legends like Dave Brubeck, Paul Desmond, Eugene Wright, Joe Morello, Gene Krupa, Max Roach, Sun Ra, and Paul Bley holding a special place in his heart. “Their music shaped my understanding of rhythm and melody,” he said.
Outside of jazz, he enjoys listening to composers such as Laurie Spiegel, Suzanne Ciani, Sarah Belle Reid, Delly Derbyshire, as well as bands like Yes, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Rick Wakeman, and Jordan Rudess.
Beyond his musical endeavours, Zehy maintains a YouTube channel where he experiments with soundscapes and explores various artistic interests, including reading and comparative religions. “Creating soundscapes allows me to express different facets of my creativity,” he said.
Zehy’s journey is not just about achieving fame but about crafting a narrative that celebrates authenticity, artistry, and the rich influences that shape his sound.
As Yazatas prepares to unveil their debut album, Zehy stands poised to invite listeners into a world where tradition meets modernity, and every note tells a story.
“I want my music to bridge cultures and create connections,” he said. “Ultimately, it’s about sharing a piece of myself with the world.”
