World-famous drummer supports Saudi music academies plan
A world-famous drummer has pledged his support for plans to open new Saudi music schools to promote the Kingdom’s young artists on the international stage. German percussionist and composer, Prof. Udo Dahmen, has offered his expertise and consultancy services to any music academies, similar to his Popakademie BadenWürttemberg institution in Germany, setting up in Saudi Arabia. He held talks at Jeddah’s University of Business and Technology (UBT) on future projects between the two countries.
Dahmen said: “We are trying to assist people here (in Saudi Arabia) to set in place an academy similar to Popakademie. We want to help people in Saudi Arabia by bringing in our expertise, because music is different here and might need a different shape.”
Praising Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform plan for creating opportunities for youth to pursue careers in their fields of interest, the 68-year-old musician said he was very impressed to see the energy and enthusiasm in just a few days since arriving in the country. Dahmen said there were many parallels between the two countries that stemmed from pop culture. “Music is actually an art form that really connects people through their spirits and feelings and gives a very positive aspect to life. This all adds up to something that can help to develop society.
“If you look at Jeddah, you will find a music scene which is pretty similar to what you can find in Berlin, New York or any other place in the world.”