Jael drops new EP, 'Motion Sickness'
Musician Jael, whose real name is Giovanni Jano, was recently in Dubai for the Break the Block party held at Expo City, where he also dropped his new EP, Motion Sickness. 'The EP is a return to my roots—a four-track journey into the pulse of UK bass and garage,' said Jael. 'This EP isn't just music; it's a reconnection with the sounds I grew up on, reimagined through a fresh lens.'
The record's eponymously named song has a skippy sub-heavy UKG beat by Jael while Ghanaian-born rapper Michael Ekow spits fire.
Jael, who is a Moluccan artist, also features on his EP the choppy dubstep track D33P, bassline-laden Rude Boy, and garage track You Be There.
He said: 'Since I was a kid I always listened to UK Garage and 2step which is originated in the UK. My cousins and uncles would give me mixed tapes by the likes of DJ Van Bellen, MJ Cole, Groove Chronicles, DJ EZ and many more. Growing up listening to that sound definitely shaped my musical taste and I even started deejaying it when I was 14 years old."
At home, the electronic music artist grew up with the influences of Moluccan Folk, Gospel, Soul, Funk, and Japanese Funk.
He debuted in 2021 with Half As Much; his collab with Juls on Close to Me, won him even more fans.
His sound has evolved over the years, and after a run at RnB, he turned his tunes electronic. 'My musical taste has always been broad, so I don't see this as a change but rather a fusion of my soulful roots with electronic and bass-driven sounds. I've been incorporating this blend into my DJ sets, and I'm excited to create even more music that brings these two worlds together,' he says.
Jael, who has since gone on tour for his new EP, says of the UAE: 'I can't wait to be back! The only sad side of this show is that I literally go in and out of the country since i have a really tight schedule. What I really want to experience is the energy of the crowd during this amazing show.'
EP Motion Sickness is now available for streaming on Spotify.
Things to do in the UAE from Feb 7-9, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Campaign ME
3 days ago
- Campaign ME
Mic check, market shift: why podcasting isn't just a trend
Podcasting has become the new media darling. What started in bedrooms and basements is now reshaping boardrooms and broadcast strategy. What started as a fringe audio format exploded into a full-fledged industry post-2014, with shows like Serial putting the genre on the map and platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts turning creators into household names. Then came COVID-19, the great accelerator of everything digital. People were stuck at home, desperate for connection, education, and distraction – and podcasting delivered all three in stereo. In the Gulf, podcasting took a little longer to catch fire, but once it did, it roared. Arabic-language podcasts began carving a niche that spoke directly to a digitally savvy, culturally rooted audience. And it's only getting louder. The power of podcasts in the Arab World According to data from the Reuters Institute and Statista, Saudi Arabia has the highest podcast listenership per capita in the world, outpacing even the U.S. and the UK. With a young, mobile-first population and aggressive investment in digital media, Saudi has created a perfect storm for podcast growth. The Mo Show, hosted by Mo Islam, stands out as a local success story – featuring high-profile guests, compelling narratives, and a unique Saudi perspective. Lebanon isn't far behind. Sarde After Dinner is one of the most celebrated Lebanese podcasts – smart, bold, and irreverent, it's built a loyal following across the Arab world by offering deep dives into culture, politics, and identity, often over a glass of wine. In Egypt, shows like Podcast Masr are tapping into a rich vein of content around entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and personal development, reflecting a massive appetite for accessible, on-demand audio content. The UAE is also making waves. Abtalks, hosted by Anas Bukhash, is a UAE-based podcast that blends emotional storytelling with high-profile interviews – one of the most-viewed and discussed shows in the region, thanks to its raw and human approach to dialogue. The platforms are paying attention Apple has doubled down on podcasting, launching premium subscriptions and editorially curating regional picks. Last month hosted a session with podcast creators in Apple Stores, Dubai Mall. Spotify continues to expand its Arabic podcast catalogue, with exclusive deals and algorithmic support. Anghami, the MENA region's homegrown streaming giant, recently updated its podcast within its playlists, positioning itself as a serious player in podcasting. So, why does podcasting matter? Because in an age of 6-second attention spans, a 45-minute podcast means someone chose to stay with you. That's gold. Podcasts are intimate, sticky, and powerful. You're not just scrolling past a brand – you're inviting it into your morning run, your school pickup line, your kitchen. For brands, the opportunity is criminally underrated: Embedded ads feel native: They sound like recommendations from a friend—not a pushy banner ad. They sound like recommendations from a friend—not a pushy banner ad. Niche audience targeting is not only possible; it's expected. You can speak directly to startup founders, single moms, real estate investors, or teenage gamers. is not only possible; it's expected. You can speak directly to startup founders, single moms, real estate investors, or teenage gamers. Direct response marketing? Yes, it works. Listeners are more likely to act on podcast ads than almost any other format. According to Edison Research, 64 per cent of podcast listeners say they've bought something they heard about on a podcast. Podcasting isn't just reshaping media – it's shifting influence What's next? The rise of podcast communities. PodClub by Poddster is one to watch – it's already pulled together over 600 members, offering real-time feedback loops, networking, and content co-creation. Even globally, figures like Andrew Huberman, Joe Rogan, and Brené Brown have transcended the 'podcaster' label. They're modern-day media empires with more influence than traditional broadcasters in some circles. The mic is no longer secondary to the camera. It might just be the smarter choice. If you're a brand still on the fence, ask yourself this: when was the last time your audience spent 40 uninterrupted minutes with you? Podcasting isn't a trend. It's a storytelling renaissance – and you've still got time to grab a mic. By Rasha Hamzeh, Executive Producer, Luca's Insight Track and Podcast Consultant & Media Strategist.
Gulf Business
5 days ago
- Gulf Business
Spotify's Mark Abou Jaoude on shaping culture and championing regional talent
Image: Gulf Business In a region pulsing with cultural energy and creative momentum, Mark Abou Jaoude is one of the most influential forces shaping the future of music. By day, he leads Spotify's music strategy as Head of Music for MENAP and it's his deep love for the culture that fuels everything he does. With over a decade in the industry, Abou Jaoude's approach is grounded in cultural insight, strategic intuition, and a constant push to break boundaries. 'Being exceptional means creating innovative, authentic, and impactful moves that resonate deeply with artists, fans, and communities,' he shares. His career has been shaped by bold decisions and a deep ear for sounds bubbling just beneath the mainstream a reflection of his ability to spot cultural shifts before they emerge. Abou Jaoude's process blends instinct with experience. He immerses himself in the region's grassroots music scenes, stays connected to youth culture, and has a keen understanding of evolving tastes. Yet his vision extends beyond trends. His mission is to help contribute to a more connected, sustainable music ecosystem across the region. 'Music across the region is evolving and growing quickly, with more people discovering and sharing sounds than ever before,' he says. 'But with that momentum comes a responsibility to build stronger support systems, invest in education, and create pathways that help artists grow long-term.' Abou Jaoude's passion for music remains the driving force behind his creativity, and leadership style. My curiosity about music has really inspired my leadership style,' he shares. It's that curiosity that pushes him to keep learning, seek out working with passionate people, and stay grounded in a mindset of growth and discovery. 'I don't mind getting messy or making mistakes. That's where growth happens,' he says. It's no surprise, that a vehicle like the But the QX80 offers more than just exceptional audio. From its refined interior and intuitive technology to its spacious design, the entire experience aligns with how Abou Jaoude moves through the world. 'It's built with attention to detail, comfortable, thoughtful, and powerful. Whether I'm heading to a strategy session or simply taking a moment to reset, it gives me the space to think and the sound to feel.' As a creative leader at the intersection of culture, innovation, and technology, Abou Jaoude sees a strong alignment between INFINITI's values—human, daring, and forward and the qualities today's creatives need to thrive. 'Staying true to yourself, being brave enough to try something new, and always looking ahead that's what defines both creative impact and strong leadership.' His advice to future industry leaders is direct and empowering: 'Know what you want to achieve. All you need is clarity, consistency, and the courage to take risks.' For Abou Jaoude, success is as much about mindset as it is about talent. He champions a balance between vision and execution, always staying grounded in purpose and committed to work that's both creatively and culturally meaningful. Abou Jaoude continues to drive the region's music industry forward, not by following formulas, but by listening deeply, acting boldly, and always staying in tune with what's possible.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
27-05-2025
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
You can now get Labubu toys delivered straight to your door in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, brace yourselves – the Labubu invasion is officially underway. These creepy-cute, bug-eyed creatures have taken over social feeds, headlines, and now, your Deliveroo app. That's right – the internet's favourite chaotic doll is now available for delivery, straight to your doorstep. If you've managed to dodge the Labubu madness until now, consider this your official crash course. Designed by Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised artist Kasing Lung, Labubu is one of the standout members of The Monsters, a twisted Nordic fairytale-inspired universe that's found a cult following in Asia and beyond. Think the mischievous cousin of Furby with the collectability of Pokémon – and a whole lot more attitude. Deliveroo has now launched the viral sensation right to your home in Abu Dhabi, meaning no more queuing, camping out online, or wrestling for a drop at a mall pop-up. These shaggy little icons are now just a few taps away. And for the true collectors (or those chasing the TikTok clout), limited-edition Labubu blind boxes will be released every day at 4pm exclusively on Deliveroo, priced from Dhs280. Yes, they're a little pricey, but when has virality ever come cheap? Beau Burger is also doing its bit for the Labubu lovers, offering diners one of the toys when they buy a Petit Meal for… Dhs290. From fashionistas to figureheads of pop culture, everyone seems to be clinging to a Labubu right now. If you spot one hanging off a backpack, peeking out of a tote, or tucked under an influencer's arm, don't be alarmed. That unsettling grin is just part of the charm. So if you're ready to join the Labubu fan club, jump on Deliveroo and claim your own little monster – no fuss, no queues, no judgement. From Dhs280. More going on in Abu Dhabi UAE residents can now save big time on flights thanks to a new Skyscanner feature No complaints here You can now get a robotaxi from Zayed International Airport Trips to the airport just got an upgrade Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 20 incredibly fun ways to explore Abu Dhabi after dark The city is at its most fascinating once the sun goes down
