From 'X Factor' to 'Mak Al Haq': Yousef Al-Saadoun Writes the First Chapter of His Dream

Yasser Al-Ayila In an artistic move reflecting the ambition of a new generation of Kuwaiti voices, young singer Youssef Al-Saadoun launched his first musical album, “Maka Al-Haqq” (You Have the Right), presenting his audience with a comprehensive artistic project that aims to build a distinct musical identity, away from ostentation and exaggeration. The album is produced by Start Music, with general and artistic supervision by the veteran composer Abdullah Al-Qaoud, and features six songs. Al-Anba met with Al-Saadoun for the following interview:

What does the album “Maka Al-Haqq” mean to you?

It means a great deal to me. It is not just an album released for the public, but a step I have long awaited and worked on with love and passion throughout the past years. I was learning and searching for my artistic identity, and today I feel that “Maka Al-Haqq” is the true beginning of a journey I hope will be long and fruitful.

How did you find the reactions to the album?

Praise be to God, the reactions were beautiful and encouraging. I was even happier to sense genuine interaction with the songs.

What is the concept behind the album?

I was keen on presenting different human emotions, not just a collection of songs with similar feelings. Everyone has a story or a memory associated with a word, a situation, or a moment of parting. Therefore, the album presents six stories of love, pain, longing, and regret, and I hope every listener finds themselves in one of them.

You chose “Maka Al-Haqq” as the album title. Why? And what does your collaboration with musician Yasser Bu Ali mean to you?

I felt that “Maka Al-Haqq” conveys a state of both confession and reproach simultaneously, and it largely encapsulates the album’s concept. The song features lyrics by Shafi Al-Subaie and music by musician Yasser Bu Ali. Collaborating with him is a great honor for me, especially as I am at the beginning of my artistic journey. Yasser Bu Ali is a prominent name with a distinctive imprint, and working with him added much to my development. I also cherish the production by Start Music and their belief in me and my project.

The album includes six different songs. Briefly, tell us about the stories they encompass.

“Maka Al-Haqq” portrays a confrontation between forgiveness and betrayal. Meanwhile, “Baad Ahobak” (After I Loved You), with lyrics by Razan and music by Samaah Khaled Al-Sheikh, touches on the feeling of waiting and the need for a word that makes a person feel important.

As for “Ajma’ Shitati” (Gathering My Fragments), with lyrics by Badr Abdulaziz and music by Ibrahim Al-Ghanim, it is a journey of self-discovery and regaining balance after being broken. “Wattawadd” (And You Parted), with lyrics by Al-Ghaym and music by Abdulqader Al-Hudhud, addresses jealousy as an integral part of love and the fear of losing a loved one. “Tabi Akthar” (You Want More), with lyrics by Omar Al-Kandari and music by Ibrahim Al-Ghanim, reflects the aspect of sacrifice and loyalty in relationships.

Finally, “Malik Bil-Tawila” (You Are to Blame for the Long Wait), with lyrics by Mansour Al-Wawan and music by Abdullah Al-Qaoud, concludes the narrative with a state of admitting fault and regret after losing someone who gave love and generosity.

How did you find collaborating with the veteran composer Abdullah Al-Qaoud, who oversaw the album generally and artistically?

Having the veteran composer Abdullah Al-Qaoud by my side in this project was a great source of reassurance for me. I benefited from his experience and artistic vision in the finest details, and he was keen on ensuring the songs appeared cohesive despite their differing themes and styles.

Your journey began in the digital space, leading to “X Factor” and then your first album. What did these milestones add to you?

They were all important stages in my artistic formation. I started by covering songs via social media platforms, and this experience gave me the opportunity to learn and connect with the audience. Then came the song “Kul Al-Khair” (All Goodness) in 2021, which was an important step toward presenting my own work. My participation in “X Factor” in 2023 was a milestone I will never forget, especially given the support I received from the judging panel, particularly the kind words of singer Abdullah Al-Ruwais, which I deeply cherish.

How do you view your responsibility as one of the young voices in the Kuwaiti musical scene?

The Kuwaiti song has a rich history and icons we are proud of. I believe that as a new generation, we must learn from this history and preserve it, while simultaneously presenting our own unique vision.

Finally, what do you say to the public after the release of “Maka Al-Haqq”?

I say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the support, love, and beautiful words that have reached me. I hope every person finds within the album’s songs a feeling that resonates with them or a story that touches their heart.