JUST JAMS SESSIONS PROVIDING A PLATFORM FOR LOCAL MUSICIANS

Like any form of art, singing and music can be as healing as a therapeutic session as it calms the nerves, becomes a home for your memories, and opens the doors for your imagination. In Oman, local musicians are becoming hungrier than ever, in the hope to be given an opportunity to showcase their unseen talent. Meet Ghazi Al Balushi, founder of Just Jams Sessions, who is determined to offer that much-needed platform in the Sultanate.

Just Jams Sessions is a music community brought to life by Al Balushi and his friends: Mohamed Al Battashi, Jaifar Al Aghbari, and Ahmed Al Busaidi, who are key people in the management. The music community sings live at various events, including their monthly jamming session, as well as manages local musicians and plans events around the city. Al Balushi came up with the concept of starting a plat- form for local musicians after realising that the nation lacks one, as you’d guess, musicians need a place to jam and practice. So creating an environment, where he could play his instruments and meet new local talent was on top of his to-do list.

The place works as a haven for talent to develop themselves and craft their musical skills. “The only place you’d see locals jamming is at the beach with their Ouds and traditional drums,” said Al Balushi, adding that the situation was frustrating. The Omani singer-songwriter didn’t have a venue to play, apart from restaurant openings and a few events, so this project was a major step for him, and a step appreciated by his fellow musicians.”

Ever since its launch last year, Muscat has witnessed an increase in the number of singers, both local and expats, which was shocking but exciting for Al Balushi. Today, each Just Jams Sessions bring 15 to 20 local musicians, singing a mix of popular English and original songs.

There’s no denying that there is hidden talent existing in the Sultanate, waiting to be discovered. Thanks to this project, society has started appreciating what music is all about.

“We never knew we had so many females (singers) as before it was considered inappropriate, but now we’re allowing them to perform live,” said Al Balushi, adding that “We are not the first to provide live music, but what we provide is an atmosphere that is supportive, comfortable, and safe where musicians can thrive.”

Some of the challenges Al Balushi and his team have faced include the level of music awareness in the country. The craft can be easily misunderstood, as many people in Oman are not accustomed to the whole singer-songwriter live performances, especially if it is in English.

“They need to learn more about musical taste, and respect different genres,” said Al Balushi, adding that, “It’s a shame because we have a lot of talented young Omani musicians that get criticised before they get a chance to grow, and they’re only being criticised because the people criticising them don’t understand or know the genre, which is really unfair.”

The team is planning on launching their website and making it the number one place for everything related to musicians and their music; mainly to raise awareness about the music culture scene in Oman.

Just Jams Sessions is living proof that there’s plenty of quality musicians that will bring the house down when they perform live, but first the community needs to open up and be supportive. Al Balushi did not just start this project for himself, he truly rescued dying talent and turned it into a musical family, where musicians love and celebrate music.

The music community sings live at various events including their monthly jamming session, as well as managing local musicians and planning events around the city.