THE ARAB MAESTRO GUY MANOUKIAN

New Straits Times
les/20091020101934/Article/index_html
Oct 20 2009
Malaysia

Lebanese musician and composer Guy Manoukian is motivated by the
thought of leaving his music for the next generation. RADIN SRI
GHAZALI writes.

IF singer-actress Jennifer Lopez is known to have insured her derriere,
for Lebanese musician and composer Guy Manoukian, it is his precious
fingers.

He has insured his hands for US$2 million (RM6.74 million) and keeps
away from aggressive activities including sports.

"I used to play basketball professionally before pursuing music. I
decided to stop playing the game and was asked to insure my hands,"
said the 33-year-old singer in an interview in Petaling Jaya recently.

"But I miss playing (basketball)," he added.

On the ivories, Manoukian has proven an impressive act within the
Arab continent with his exceptional music skills of defining Middle
Eastern dance music.

Manoukian’s latest album Vibes is his best work to date.

He has broadened his music to Europe, America and, recently added
Asia to his list after just a decade in the business.

After four successful albums including Senses and Sarab, Manoukian
is now out with his best album to date, Vibes.

"Critics and fans alike are raving about the music in Vibes and say
that it’s the best from me," he said.

Manoukian is on the top of the charts in his homeland. His album
debuted at No.1 since June.

"I have beaten Amr Diab (a renowned and dashing good-looking Arab
singer)," he said with a grin.

The album features sounds that uniquely define what the pianist is
all about — he is of mixed Armenian and Lebanese parentage.

"I used the elements that I grew up with and the music that influenced
me along the way as a musician. That makes my music universal.

Everyone will be able to enjoy it," he said. The album shows strong
influences with his Lebanese roots infused with pop dance.

Tracks include Shooting Star (featuring Leyla and Dash Boogie Breeze),
Vibes (featuring Lucina), Noritz (featuring Luis), Sonzey, My Land
and a song that was written for his son, To My Son.

When asked who influenced his works, he replied: "It wouldn’t be fair
because I have a lot of people to give credit to. But I am very much
intrigued with Asian beats, including Oriental and Indian rhythms.

Manoukian is no stranger to the international market. He has
worked with a handful of international acts including renowed
composer/producer Wyclef Jean.

"I met him in Las Vegas last year. His friend saw me playing and
quickly suggested me to him. We really hit it off and started talking
of a collaboration," he said.

He worked with the music maestro in Wyclef’s single called On Tour.

He has also worked with American rapper turned business mogul 50 Cent
and French rapper Diams.

Plans are also under way for another international collaboration with
songstress Shakira. "We’ll see," he said, reluctant to reveal more.

When asked if he is on a mission to overcome the stereotype of Arabs
with his music, he replied: "There is nothing to prove. We have
scholars who have established various branches of knowledge centuries
ago. We are a developed community. My music is for everyone.

"In fact, how people perceive the Arab world has changed for the
better. We don’t need albums to do it," he said.

What motivates him to be where he is now?

"When I was seven, I wanted my parents’ attention. Later in my teens,
I wanted girls’ attention. Towards my mid-20s, I was motivated to
get money to keep my music going," he explained.

"Now, my legacy motivates me to work hard. I want my music to be
inherited by the next generation, my son’s generation. I want my
music to live on," he added.