Nadine Mustafa UAE-based Lebanese singer and songwriter Marina Ndayra releases her new single ‘Ghareeb El Hobb’. ‘Ghareeb El Hobb,’ which means ‘Love is Strange’ in English, was originally written two years ago but due to the pandemic, has only recently been recorded and produced at the Berklee College of Music in Abu Dhabi. And unlike previous love songs written by Marina Ndayra, ‘Ghareeb El Hobb’ is an optimistic love song based on hope.
“Most of my lyrics are based on real experiences, with ‘Ghareeb El Hobb’ written about the real conflict between the heart and mind. Many of my other songs are about breaking up or losing someone – but ‘Ghareeb El Hobb’ is about that exciting first stage of love, when your feelings are everything.’
Not only is ‘Ghareeb El Hobb’ Marina’s most upbeat love-song to date, but the classical Arabic-language pop track was written and composed within an hour, as Marina hit her songwriting zone.
In fact, it could be said that Marina has been in the songwriting zone for 15 years now. Marina has built up a strong following thanks to her previous singles and covers, and the UAE resident has hit the song-writing groove and written over 10 tracks while studying at the Berklee College of Music in Abu Dhabi. As well as honing her songwriting craft, Marina has also honed in what really makes her songs connect with her audience.
“As an artist I think sharing people’s experiences and feelings is the best way to get to their hearts.”
With more releases and singles confirmed for 2023, expect to hear a lot more from rising singer-songwriter Marina Ndayra in the very near future.
