One of the first female Saudi recording artists, MAY KUBTI has imposed her unique genre, as a poet and musician.  With her seductive voice, she talks to Dia about a world of longing and suppressed emotion – easy on the ears and soft on the heart.

So May, are you more of a poet or a singer?

A poet. But a poet with an amazing passion for music. Music inspires me and drives me to write.

What are some of the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

To be honest, convincing my immediate environment that what I’m doing is not going to affect my personal life. It wasn’t society, but rather my inner circle that I had to persuade. I also had to overcome personal fears and hesitations, those “what ifs” that I always ask myself. But I’m confident and have people who now believe in me and support me.

What would you like to achieve?

I want to be a pioneer in my genre. I love the idea of combining words of poetry and music melodies. I hope to promote classic literature through this medium and hopefully, one day, open a school dedicated solely to poetry and literature. I had someone tell me, “You made me love poetry,” and that’s exactly what I want to do. I want to become a classic poet, like the classics that I admire so much.

Tell us more about your music?

It’s very chilled out. It’s about the fusion of poetry and music. You’re listening to poetry, not lyrics.

Who inspires you?

A lot of writers…a lot! Nizar Qabbani, Ernest Hemingway, Edgar Allen Poe are just some names that come to mind.  I also love Greek mythology.

What is your album’s overall theme?

Well, the title is “Ashiqat” which means lover. I think my album covers the feelings of women, but the feelings, which are not easily expressed. Each song is a mood or emotion that I believe is universal to women and that she may relate to.

What does your success mean for Saudi women?

I think that Saudi women see me as an example of going against the status quo. Although there were many obstacles, I’m very proud of having been able to achieve what I wanted. I see myself and my career as proof that only you can make things happen to make your dreams come true.

And finally, what does a romantic pionneer like yourself carry in her your handbag?

Antibacterial gel! I can’t live without it. And Amber hand cream and perfume. And then of course, the necessities: wallet, keys, phone, and ipod. Did I mention, antibacterial?

Horoscope: Aquarius

Loves: Nature

Occupation: Poet,, Musician

Perfume: Reminiscence

Hates: Agony

Chocolate: Green & Black’s

Illustration by Emma Rudge