“I hope to spread the love for music in all its genres more around the country, and maybe to open a music school.” A believer, an anxious learner and a beautiful pianist, Nadia Dandachi is an 18-year-old Saudi girl who is living a symphony of dreams. The self-taught Saudi YouTube sensation grew up loving music. She is currently pursuing medicine at the King Abdulaziz University. With limited public platforms for musicians, Dandachi has created a niche for herself and has inspired many Saudi artists to pursue music and share their talent with the world through the web. Dandachi decided YouTube would be the best way to share her unique touch, ethnicity and talent. She was right, as her YouTube channel soon spread across the Kingdom and then the world. Dandachi for the very first time spoke with Saudi Gazette in an exclusive interview. Saudi Gazette: How did you develop love for the piano? Dandachi: My parents bought me a toy piano when I was about three years old and my father always dreamed of teaching one of his children a musical instrument. So when he saw my early interest in music and piano, he decided to buy me a big one and gave me piano lessons. I have loved piano and music ever since; and my parents have always given me great love and support.
Saudi Gazette: When did you start playing and do you plan on pursuing this talent? Dandachi: I started taking piano lessons at the age of six. I have been playing now for about 12 years. Piano is my greatest passion, and I will keep playing and enjoying it forever. It is only a wonderful hobby, and not a career that I want to pursue. Saudi Gazette: Why the piano? Dandachi: I see piano as the master of all instruments. Whether you play it solo or accompany it with another instrument, the sound that emanates from its black and white keys is beautiful. I believe that if you can play piano then you can play any other instrument. Also playing piano is very gracious and elegant, which suits my personality.
Saudi Gazette: What does music signify to you as a person and to your artistic soul? Dandachi: Frankly, I can truly say I am a music addict. I can't spend a day without listening to a song or sitting on my piano. It transports me away from this world, to a better place where I belong. It is a great stress reliever whenever I need to let any of my emotions out. Saudi Gazette: Is it hard being a young talented Saudi musician with an inborn talent and going public with it? Were there any consequences? Dandachi: To be honest, yes it is quite hard probably because I am a “female” musician in Saudi Arabia, which is something very new around here and which people are still not accustomed to. The idea of music and especially piano isn't very popular and widespread here, but people are starting to appreciate it. I have received a lot of great feedback however, greater than I've expected, and I am truly elated and grateful – Alhamdulillah.
Saudi Gazette: How has the support been? Dandachi: It has been very great, in many aspects. And now that I have the chance, I'd like to thank all my wonderful YouTube fans and subscribers, as well as my Twitter followers who have been very encouraging and greatly supportive along the way.
Saudi Gazette: Who is your favorite pianist, or musician? Dandachi: My all-time favorite classic composer is Chopin. He inspires me, and I visited his grave in Paris once. My favorite contemporary musician at the moment is the HipHop violinist Lindsey Stirling. Her music moves me, and she inspired me to start learning violin. Of course I love many others, but I'd never be able to fit them all in one.
Saudi Gazette: Do you compose music? Dandachi: My very first piano composition is from when I was eight years old. I didn't compose anything after that until very recently. So my first “official” original composition is published on YouTube, named “Freedom to Syria”, and as the title suggests I've dedicated it to the people of Syria who fight for their freedom. Saudi Gazette: When did you decide to go public with your talent and how did the YouTube sensation begin? Dandachi: I felt like playing piano at home just for myself and for my family wasn't enough. I had the urge to let my music be heard, and I greatly wanted and needed to share my passion. So my parents suggested YouTube, and that's how it all began! I'm truly glad I made this channel because thanks to it I realized how much my music makes many people happy, and inspires my listeners. That gives me the greatest satisfaction.
Saudi Gazette: How do you feel being so young and suddenly famous amongst your natives? Is it a rewarding feeling and do you feel motivated? Dandachi: I didn't reach this point easily. I did work hard for many years and practice for hours long, so to see the fruits of my work is extremely rewarding and motivating. Every time I receive good feedback on my work, I feel motivated to do more and more.
Saudi Gazette: What inspires you? Dandachi: Any kinds of situation that can trigger certain feelings inside me inspires me – people, things, musical melodies, among others.
Saudi Gazette: Dreams you would like to realize and destinations you would like to reach. Dandachi: My current “life dream” is to succeed in my career which is medicine. I also hope to spread the love for music in all its genres more around the country, and maybe open a music school. The idea seems far-fetched at the moment, but who knows what the future beholds! All dreams can eventually come true, and I am an ambitious believer.
