Category: Entertainment – Art, Culture, theatre, film

“An Unplanned Journey becomes a Destiny” Dubai Based Businessman Turned Singer Zakeer Hussain (Zak Zorro), CEO of Icon Art production

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UAE is attracting more Hollywood and Bollywood movies as a hotspot for exotic locations shoots and Icon Art Production (IAP), a leading production house is known as a One stop solution for all Feature Films, TV Commercials, TV Programs, Documentaries, Music Videos and Corporate Films, Event Productions and Multimedia services across the UAE, Middle East & India.

Shereen Shabnam meets with founder Zakeer Hussain, a Businessman who is creating a sensation in the music world with his recent albums.

Zakeer who is also known as Zak Zorro in the Film & Music world, started his career working behind the scenes with his team at Icon Art Production and their expertise included being able to Line Produce 1000’s of Productions for local and International productions. And also expertise in write, produce, direct and accomplish postproduction of small medium and large productions.

Under his leadership, Icon Art Production offers all aspects of Line production, including Script approval, Shooting permits, Locations services, Cameras, Lights and Grips, Transport, Local & International Cast & Crew, Production and Postproduction services, a wide range of industry services for a variety of local, regional, and International clients in Film, Television, Advertising, Sports, Marketing, and Multimedia.

In-house state-of-the-art Equipment large inventory with Full-fledged Studio and working knowledge of the various Local and International Films, TV Programs, TV Commercials and the Events industry positions IAP amongst the top 10 Production houses in Dubai.  As the Founder of Icon Art Production, Zakeer has seen the completion of over 3000+ productions including Films, TV Programs, TV Commercials, Music Videos, Documentaries, Corporate Films, and Events since the company’s inception.

With a strong faith in the potential of Dubai being a hub for the Entertainment world, Zakeer invested in a facility that can be customized and branded for Magazine Shoots, Product launches and Pop-up Events etc.

According to Zakeer, his success in the Production world is due to his team who understand the niche requirements of the industry, based on which they design a feasible budget for any type of project to assist, Directors and Producers. This has enabled IAP to be Industry leaders in supporting International filmmakers coming to Dubai from Bollywood and the regional film industries.

As a musician and his persona as Zak Zorro, Zakeer’s vision is to produce global music, He loves all kinds of music and was blessed to listen to different eras of music and genres. His music Passionstarted 15 years ago, and he has been working with various artist and genres of music which inspired him to discover the love for different styles of music and the First Indian to do Afro Music and sing pigeon English with some Afro slangs.

As a Versatile Artist who has sung in over 25+ different music genres, Zakeer is known for his versatile vocal abilities bringing his unique fusion of songs to music lovers around the world in different genres, Pop, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Funk, Country, RNB, Hip Hop, Rap, Bhangra, Folk, Afro, Reggae, Dance Hall, Latin, Flemenco, Arabic, EDM, Synwave/ Synth Pop, Sufi, Qawwali, Ghazal, Meditation, Chill Out, Fusion, Techno and Disco etc. His passion to sing in multiple genres has led him to sing in seven languages following the important elements and protocols of the respective genres in its pure form.

Music to Zakeer is like a meditation and whenever he works on a new genre or language, it’s a completely new experience from zero, as if it is his First Song production so we put our heart and soul in it. He has a great team who understands his vision and works in his direction, and they accomplish every time unique songs and produce a great album.

“MUSIC IS AN EXPLOSIVE EXPRESSION OF LOVE AND PASSION, AND WE ARE ALL TOUCHED BY IT, NO MATTER WHAT CULTURE, RACE OR COUNTRY WE COME FROM” – ZAK ZORRO

Music is now part of his life and is part of his daily routine while creating music, studying, experimenting, and working with different styles of music, languages, musicians and composer etc.

Speaking of his musical journey, Zak Zorro said, “My passion for music began from childhood and I started singing four years ago with Urdu and Hindi poetry which then evolved into songs. I dedicated lot of time for voice training in Hindustani Music and Western music by 7 different vocal trainers. After over 5000+ hours of vocal training, I worked with several different music composers producing different genres of music and found a unique style that worked for me. Every song has a unique story and mood in the lyrics.”

Zak Zorro also established Audio studio for himself and other upcoming artist providing a platform to individuals who needs guideline in their passion in music industry with professional equipment for sound, audio and video production.

ZAK ZORRO MUSIC ALBUMS

  • As a Singer and Music Producer, Zak has recorded over 70+ Original Songs in last 4 years. 
  • Produced Music in over 25+ Styles of Genres and Sang in 7 Languages.
  • Zak sees himself as a global Artist not bound by any single genre or style, he has always been influenced by world music and his vision is to record in as many different styles as possible and bridge cultures through music.

Zak Zorro “SOUL”

Music Album with 7 Soulful Songs with beautiful compositions and lyrics will take you in an emotional journey. It was an emotional transition of my life which was translated into Songs and was the beginning of my musical journey.

Eternal Love:

Zak Zorro “Eternal Love” Music Album with 11 diverse love songs with mesmerizing poetry.

This Album is a perception of true love which we seek in our life partner and also some lose them in between the journey, and seek compassion or start over to love again.

Afrolina :

Zak Zorro being the first Indian Producer and Singer to produce an Afro Music album with 11 musical tracks, He said my love for world music and fascinated with Afrobeat inspired me to produce Afrolina Music Album in collaboration with Sammyoung an African music producer.  This Album to make anybody dance, smile and have fun with every beat.

Baby Dil Dena :

Zak Zorro released his latest 4th Music Album ‘Baby Dil Dena on July25 2021. An album with 11 diverse Musical tracks with flavor of Jazz, Flamenco, Pop, Hip Hop, RNB, Rap, Afro, Spanish, Punjabi, Latin and Arabic Influenced. Every song has a musical journey of daily life relationship dramas which are fun sometimes and painful sometimes.

ZAK ZORRO MUSIC VIDEOS SONGS:

Zak Zorro has released 4 Music Videos which have crossed over 20 Million+ Views. 

Teri Yaad Mey

Soulful Pop Music with beautiful lyrics which will take you in a memory lane of your first love, irrespective you are with that person or not. It tickles your heart and makes you smile. The song is about also about endless love or memories, sometimes we separate but still love the person and those beautiful memories are always haunting us. Also inspiring social message about Karma which is a Boomerang.

Taqdeeron ke Khilonay

The Debut Rock Music Video which was released on 1st April 2020 followed by six songs from Zak Zorro Fusion album. Rock Song is “Taqdeeron ke Khilonay”, which portrays reality of life that we are “toys of destiny” and how we influence each other in this life with some happy and painful experience which were portrayed in the Music video in a symbolic way.

Jeeta Raha

“Jeeta Raha” is a Song tribute to all fathers, Directed by Sajjad Delafrooz renowned antagonist of Bollywood Film Tiger Zinda hai & Special Ops Web series with Neeraj Pandey. A Song dedicated to “All the Fathers for their unconditional Love and Sacrifices they make for their children happiness” the video portrays the loneliness of father and his weakness not able to communicate with his son. A Social Message, not to leave your parents alone in their old age.

Ye Faasla

“Ye Faasla” is a Pop Contemporary Emotional Song as the Vocals and Synth Shines throughout the Track. It’s an emotional journey of 2 lost souls in their own world. This Song portrays people living together yet not connected and living in their own world which do not exist.

#GlobalTrendMonitor #Music #Entertainment #Singer #IndianMusic #magazineUAE #magazine #mediaUAE #UAEbusiness #myDubai 

UAE based Music Producer and Singer, Zak Zorro releases an Afrobeat Music Album

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Zakeer Hussain popularly known as ‘Zak Zorro’ releases his latest album ‘Afrolina’ today on June15, 2021. The homegrown artist will reveal an original album with 11 distinct dance tracks namely ‘Carolina’, ‘Maria’, ‘Dubai Way’, ‘Killempa’, ‘Chikka’, ‘Oley’, ‘African Lady’, ‘Somebody’, ‘Dil Pe’, ‘Superhero’ and ‘Call my Name.’

With this album, Zak Zorro gets the unique distinction of becoming the first Indian Music Producer and Singer to produce an Afrobeat Music album. Speaking on the release, Zak said “Music is the strongest form of magic. It is an explosive expression of love and we are all touched by it no matter what culture, race or country we come from”.

Further expanding on his fascination for afrobeat in particular, he said “The thing about Afrobeat is, it just uplifts your mood from the very 1st beat and makes you move your whole body and I think that is what people around the world need now more than ever.”

Zak sees himself as a global artist not bound by any single genre or style, he has always been influenced by world music and his vision is to record in as many different styles as possible. However, as a music purist he makes sure to follow important elements and protocols of each different genre in their pure form. Afrolina is an honest attempt at ensuring the authencity of the music remains while the vibe only gets one to groove to each beat.

The Album is produced by Icon Art Productions. All the songs are written and composed by the very talented award-winning music producer, Sammyoung (Dubai based afro music producer). ‘Afrolina’ released on 15th June ‘2021 on all the digital stores iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, Gaana, Saavan & YouTube on the ZakZorro channel worldwide.

About the singer

  • Founder of Icon Art Production (Amongst UAE’s biggest studio, production & equipment rental company)
  • 3000+ productions including films, web-series, tvc’s , music-videos, documentaries and corporate films
  • As a singer and music composer, Zak has recorded over 70 singles in the last 4 years.
  • A versatile artist who has sung in over 15 different music genres
  • Released 3 music videos which have crossed 6 million+ views organically.

Music lovers can enjoy Zak Zorro Poetry and Music videos on YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/ZakZorro. and Spotify

Artissima Art Agency and Sakoo Art School exhibit at Archiade Atelier in d3

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Fourteen artists showcase their work through creative mediums at Archiade Atelier

Artissima Art Agency, in collaboration with Sakoo Art School in Tehran are displaying the remarkable and magnificent artworks of 14 Iranian and two Emirati artists at the Archiade Atelier at Dubai Design District until the 28th of March, 2021.

The opening reception was inaugurated by Dr. Agrippa Damba, Executive Governor at African Finance Regulatory Authority (AFRA) and President of the African Central Bank (ACB) along with other distinguished guests.

Artissima and Sakoo have successfully collaborated in the past for the UAQ Art Festival 2020 and the Italia in Arte Tour, where the Iranian artists won during the art tour.

Narges Soleimanzadeh, President of Sakoo Art School said, “Every Year we hold an International group exhibition of artists, ensuring their work can be seen on a bigger platform Internationally and being in the hub of the art and design scene in Dubai’s d3 is perfect for the visibility of our artists talents.”

Aurela Cuku, Curator of the exhibition and Founder of Artissima Art Agency said, “Narges is one of the artists participating in the exhibition and understands the necessity of the artists to be promoted Internationally. She will exhibit along with the other talented Iranian artists. It is always a pleasure to collaborate and curate such outstanding and brilliant artists.”

Among the artist’s participating are Fahad Al Thani, Abdulrauf Khalfan, Yeganeh Khosravimanesh, Sahar Alizadeh, Farahnaz Oliyaei, Golnar Ghasimi, Mahin Monfared, Mahjoob Zohourian Pourdel, Parisa Khodaparast, Sepideh Naziri, Shabnam Aria, Shahrzad Taheri, Shirin Moayya, Shohreh Damestani and Zahra Parkah.

The exhibition will be held in Archiade Atelier, one of the most prestigious Italian design venues at the Dubai Design District and will run until 28th March 2021.

#Art #ArtGallery #ArtExhibition #ArchiadeAtelier #ArtissimaArtAgency

Earth Of One Eight Set to Revolutionize Retail Landscape in Middle East Region with Immersive Customer Experiences

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Innovative 9m x 3m walk-in pod with abstract geometric face, aims to capture imagination of retailers, customers with latest technology analytics

Futuristic concept aligns with Smart Dubai 2021 initiative to transform Dubai into a futuristic destination

In a bid to bring customers up close and personal to their favorite retail brands and allow them to engage with the brands in insightful and fun ways, Earth Of One Eight (EOO8), an innovative new age hybrid retail concept, today announced its Middle East launch, starting with Dubai. The new age retail concept aligns seamlessly with the ambitious Smart Dubai 2021 initiative that aims to transform Dubai into a futuristic, world-leading destination city where government transactions are 100 percent digitalized and the people are among the happiest in the world. E008 is set to offer smart brand retail solutions to brands with the aim to create luxury retail experiences.

Earth Of One Eight is an 9m x 3m walk-in mobile pod with an abstract geometric face that offers brands the opportunity and flexibility to connect with and immerse themselves in communities to dramatically increase awareness and brand recall. Retailers can showcase their products in the interior of the pod in a frictionless ambiance.

The hybrid retail concept seamlessly blends online and offline retail experiences and enables brands to boost the elusive aspect of ‘audience delight’ that is largely absent in the prevailing hard-sell retail landscape. EOO8 elevates the retail experience and is able to track data for brands such as walk-ins, interests, and products testing, among others.

Speaking on the radical retail development, Fareda Ali, Founder of EOO8, explained her vision: “I have always been fascinated by the traditional trailer truck concept that brings exclusive brands into town to give the local community some exotic retail experiences. Earth Of One Eight was born through putting a sophisticated spin on this idea and introducing technology into the mix. In many ways, Earth Of One Eight is a nostalgic ode to the bygone age of one-on-one retail – when retail was a more intimate and intuitive experience.

“With this game-changing pod, we hope to transform the way retail is consumed in the region. Manufactured right here in the UAE, and ensuring a frictionless approach, the breakthrough pods can be leased by retailers’ keen to understand what their customers think about their brand through introducing immersive experiences. EOO8 can also help test waters ahead of the launch of new products in the region, or simply assist in gauging the market penetration achieved. With the efforts to realize Smart Dubai 2021 gaining momentum and given the scaling up of digitalization during the pandemic, I believe technology is here to stay in all aspects of our life – and will particularly transform the retail scene.”

For the very first time in the region, through leveraging cutting-edge technology such as a magic mirror, touch sensors, augmented reality, holograms, social media filters, motion mapping, and projection mapping, EOO8 offers retailers and brands clear analytics on their customers’ preferences and interests captured through their engagement with the brand. This learning can significantly inform brand positioning and lead to greater flexibility and personalization in promoting the brand from one community to the next.

Fareda Ali added: “Retail today is so much more than just buying and selling – it has the ability to inform, educate, create awareness and connect like never before. Imagine how much simpler your life would be if you knew exactly what your target customer is seeking and are able to meet this need without any confusion. We envision EOO8 appealing to the high-end luxury retailers who are not afraid to experiment with this revolutionary urban trend. Customers are already rejecting two-dimensional hard-core selling that is pushed at them purely for monetary gain. This user-friendly interface offers them enriching and memorable experiences that will make a world of difference.”

Currently targeting the retail sector, EOO8 has its sights set on other industries in the future based on demand. EOO8 has for its overarching goal the objective of extending novel ways of brand engagement and customer delight through redefining personalized, seamless, efficient, and impactful experiences at every touchpoint.

Dubai Based Singer, Zakeer Hussain with Artist name Zak Zorro Releases new Music Video

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Zakeer Hussain Known as “Zak Zorro” has released another Music Video titled “Teri Yaad Mey” shot fully in Dubai, a song dedicated to people in love with a social Message. The song is about the endless memory of love and separation.  The song conveys love after separation and how beautiful memories continue haunting about the person we love and it has an inspiring social message about Karma.

All the cast in the song are locally based in Dubai. Jumana Khan is a well-known Social Media influencer and Sagar Midda works in the Fashion Industry while Soniya Rana is a fashion model. All the performers portray their characters beautifully to translate the feel of the song.

The Song Produced by Dubai based Production House Icon Art Production. Dubai Film and TV Commission facilitated the shooting permit, Fnajeen restaurant hosted the shoot with other locations on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dar hamad Fashion Boutique by Hamad Al Falamarzi, Meydan Bridge “Auto Deals” car showroom and a luxurious penthouse.

Zak Zorro Produced the song in collaboration with Atif Ali well known music director & lyricist. The Music Video produced in Dubai UAE which was Directed by Waqqas Qadri Sheikh, cinematography by Mark Hobson.

The PoP song Teri Yaad Mey music video released on 20th November 2020.

The new song is released on ZakZorro YouTube Channel and promoted worldwide.

Live Facebook musical evening with Soundcore by Anker tonight features Vocalist and Guitarist Fahmil Khan

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fahmil

Soundcore by Anker Innovations will be presenting a ‘Musical Evening by Fahmil Khan’, lead Vocalist and Guitarist of the ‘On the Rocks’ band live on Facebook on Thursday, 11th June from 9pm onwards.

Tune in to hear a rendition of songs from the 90s, Bollywood retros, Sufi, Pop and contemporary songs to usher in the weekend.

Faraz Mehdi, Regional Sales Head at Anker Innovations MEA said, “Soundcore is committed to bringing premium audio to the people. This includes its series of Liberty true wireless earbuds, its Spirit series of sports headsets and several iconic indoor and outdoor Bluetooth speakers such as the Flare, Icon, Infini, Motion and Rave. It is the perfect companion to wind down end of the week.”

The Musical evening will be hosted on the Anker Middle East page on Facebook. Music lovers can log on https://www.facebook.com/events/558795394794813/ for the live event.

Khalidiyah Mall to host Lulu Hypermarket’s Paws & Tails Pet Carnival

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The Grill & Chill event will be held on 7thDecember, 4pm

Khalidiyah Mall

Khalidiyah Mall is the Abu Dhabi venue for Lulu Hypermarket’s Paw’s & Tails pet carnival which will feature a Grill & Chill event on December 7thfrom 4pm.

The event will have food stalls, Agility show & contest, online competitions, vet behaviorists, pet groomers and sitters, walkers & trainers, raffle draws, pet food & accessories, pet adoption and live music bands.

MayankM Pal, Mall Manager at Khalidiyah Mall said,“Khalidiyah Mall embraces the change of the season that is perfect for outdoor events. Our customers will be able to take part in barbecue competitions, food sampling and get attractive discounts on BBQ and outdoor products from Lulu Hypermarket.”

Khalidiyah Mall is located at the nerve centre offering patrons three levels of elegantly laid out outlets ranging from fashion to furnishing and cosmetics to consumer electronics. The mall’s multicultural food court offers an intriguing array of international cuisine, alongside a number of cafes, restaurants plus an amusement centre with arcade games, a cinema and a bowling alley.

“Joe Koueik” performs at Al Wahda Mall

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Al Wahda Mall visitors enjoyed a musical evening with Lebanese Music sensation Joe Koueik while enjoying a wide range of entertainment and activities for kids and adults during the long weekend.

Mr. Navaneeth Sudhakaran, General Manager, Al Wahda Mall said, “It has been a fun experience having Joe Koueik entertain our guests last night. We wish everyone a wonderful National Day with fun celebrations and thank them for spending the holidays with us at Al Wahda Mall.”

Musician Joe Koueik adds, “Al Wahda Mall audience proved to be a fun crowd and I thoroughly enjoyed performing to the responsive and dynamic music lovers of the UAE. I look forward to an equally entertaining performance again at the mall.”

Residents can also enjoy Al Wahda’s sprawling multi-cuisine food court with over 50 F&B outlets to treat every palate, sports venues, an enticing multi-cuisine food court, a decadent nine-screen multiplex cinema and over 350 stores to shop from.

Memorable arcade games at Al Wahda Mall until October 26th 2019

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Old favourites highlighted during ‘Games and Tech’ week

The very first ‘Games & Tech Week’ is currently attracting gaming enthusiasts in Al Wahda Mall, powered by a jam-packed list of memorable arcade games until October 26th 2019.

Located on the first-floor of Al Wahda Mall extension, thrill seeking mall visitors will find an entertainment hub with retro gaming machines and experiential arcade zones. Old favourites to indulge in include Street Fighter Zero, Space Invaders Dx, Pacman, Sonic the Hedgehog, Frogger, Donkey Kong and Mario Bros.

Mr. Navaneeth Sudhakaran, General Manager, Al Wahda Mall said, “Visitors to Al Wahda Mall can get introduced to different arcade games and go down memory lane with their favourite games from the past as well as get a fresh perspective on the thriving gaming and tech industry. We look forward to welcoming our customers to try these games out.”

The Games and Tech event is part of an activation by The Department of Culture and Tourism that brings gamers to experience fun, immersive and educational games together.

Mazyad Mall attracts shoppers with mega savings and entertainment events

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Shoppers to enjoy arts and crafts, roaming acts and mega savings

Over summer, shoppers at Mazyad Mall Abu Dhabi can enjoy amazing deals, enjoy entertainment activities and win big with the ‘Mall Millionaire’ campaign that offers shoppers a chance to win AED 50,000/- weekly until 3 August 2019 with a mega prize of 1 million at the end of the summer sales.

Sineesh Vaikkattil, Mazyad Mall Manager said, “We look forward to welcoming patrons during our events in August especially as we have outlets catering to shoppers for Eid clothes and gifts. An added value is the opportunity to win big with the ‘Mall Millionaire’ promotion where shoppers who spend AED200/- can present their receipts to the customer service and enter the competition.”

In addition, the mall will have various entertainment and roaming acts over the summer as well as art and craft activities from the 5th to the 6th of August 2019.

The Mazyad Mall retailers will also have special sales for Eid and back to school promotions offering shoppers great deals and savings and a reason to splurge across a wide range of fashion items along with sporting goods, toys, cosmetics, jewellery, books, home furnishing, hypermarket and electronics.