Artist Catalogue

Artist Catalogue
About
WHY? A passionate and inventive artist booking agency with a focus on promoting
locally based talent for corporate and event bookings HOW? We connect with all the
best local talent. Where there is missing talent, The Fridge headhunts select players and
sponsors them to come and live and work in Dubai WHAT FOR? The only way to bring soul
and a real music scene to Dubai is organically, from the ground up. Encouraging
creativity, collaboration and knowledge from classical, jazz, rock, funk and hip hop.
The Fridge’s philosophy is built on a passionate focus on locally based talent, promoting,
managing, collaborating and constantly looking for platforms to promote the growing
music and performing arts scene in Dubai.
Afif
Jazz
The Essentials
It’s a classic jazz fusion story: two Lebanese brothers raised in the vibrant Beirut scene, a
youthful fascination with oriental rhythm and a more mature obsession with the pioneers of
jazz past and present. Brothers Rony (Drums) and Elie (Double Bass) make up AFIF – a name
now totally synonymous with jazz in the UAE.
Their impeccable grooves have caught the ear of esteemed international artists like Bobby
McFerrin & Phil Abraham and have seen them perform at some of the world’s top jazz
festivals like Java (Jakarta), Palermo, Mongo (Brussels), Novar (Bordeaux) and WOMAD (Abu
Dhabi). Now based in Dubai, Rony and Elie bring an amazing repertoire of sounds – from silky
smooth classics to stage-pounding improvisations and original fusions. Without a doubt they
play centre stage in the UAE’s fast-emerging jazz scene.
Line up: Roni Afif (Drums) Eli Afif (Double Bass) Alistair Kusick (Guitar) Notable Performances: Skywards InternaEonal Jazz FesEval, Java Jazz FesEval, Abu Dhabi Jazz FesEval, Music Village (Brussells), The Fridge Concert Series, Bobby McFerrin, Ziad Rahbani Available as: Trio/Quartet/Quintet (sax/ vocals) Aerial Silk
Carol Thorns
Electric Cellist
The Essentials
A Cum Laude Bachelor of Music graduate from Rhodes University in South Africa, Carol
Thorns has a background in cello performance and entertainment PR. Her passion for
taking electric strings into unchartered territory lead her to initiate and build popular
brands such as Electro-Muse, Sterling Electric Quartet (in partnership with Carina Bruwer)
and CODA. South Africa’s leading electric cellist, Carol has performed at the country’s
top events for nearly a decade. These include numerous celebrity events (Elton John
Charity Ball), Fashion shows (Cape Town Fashion Week, Durban Fashion Week, SA Fashion
Week), big concerts (Kirstenbosch Summer Concert Series, Vodacom July, Presidents Cup,
Fancourt Spring Ball) etc.
Carol has been featured alongside electric violinist Elena Zlatkova on several occasions
with the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra and the Johannesburg Philharmonic. She
appears extensively in the media and has been interviewed on Top Billing, ETV Nightlife,
Morning Live etc. Carol has been photographed for Cosmopolitan Magazine, Top Billing
Magazine, Style,Sarie and numerous daily newspapers Her performing career has taken
her beyond South Africa’s borders to the Baltic Sea (on 6 day cruise for Coca Cola), to
Edinburgh for an international concert, to Dubai on tour and to the Seychelles for a
fashion show. Carol has shared the stage the stage with many of South Africa’s top
musicians including Arno Carstens, and Soweto String Quartet (at the Elton John show).
She performs regularly with singer/ songwriter Louise Carver and with her band, CODA. Line up: Carol Thorns (electric cellist) Haruka
Electric Violinist The Essentials
In 2010, after only 2 years in Dubai, Haruka was chosen by Gulf News' Friday Magazine as the only musician to
be featured in an interview article about success stories in the country. Growing up in Japan, she took up the
violin at age 4 and the piano at age 5. Her constant desire to expand as a musician pushed her attend the
Kunitachi Highschool of Music and eventually to travel to the US, where she studied under Juilliard School
professor Masao Kawasaki and a first violinist of the New Jersey Philharmonic, Joeseph Gluck, while taking
piano lessons from Beatrice Long, a concert pianist and Dr. Adam Kent at Manhattan School of Music
Precollege during the last two years of high school. She then attended the prestigious New England
Conservatory in Boston to study classical violin under the tutelage of the late, world-renowned Michèle
Auclair.
During her studies there, she started feasting on jazz staples such as Chet Baker, Steve Lacy, Bill Evans and
Keith Jarrett. The way in which they were able to express themselves through their mastery of the art of
improvisation inspired Haruka to pursue a Masters degree in Jazz Studies. Her teachers included worldrenowned Charlie Banacos, John McNeil and Alan Chase. Integrating the richness of both musical worlds at
the highest level, Haruka started composing as well and studied composition under Michael Gandolfi and
Frank Carlberg.
Upon graduating, she moved to New York, where her unique sound and lyrical playing style made an instant
impact. She was soon performing classical, jazz and a blend of styles from her own compositions at art
galleries and venues including Merkin Hall, the United Nations Headquaters and Carnegie Hall. She has had
the opportunity to share the stage with some of the greats, including Butch Morris, Bob Moses, Joe Morris and
Neil Leonard, and to play in master classes with Wayne Krantz, Dave Douglas, Uri Caine and Dr. Lonnie Smith.
She has also attended prestigious music festivals such as Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative
Music, Henry Mancini Institute and Aspen Music Festival on scholarships.
Today, Haruka is based in Dubai where she crosses genres including classical to jazz and Arabic music to
Argentinean tango, and sees diversity as a vital part of her constant artistic development. Since her arrival in
2008, she has performed at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, Sheik Zayed Book Award, the Zayed Future Energy
Prize, Formula 1 Abu Dhabi, Dubai World Cup, Arabian Travel Market, the Meydan Hotel Opening in Nad al
Sheba, Disney Rotana Channel Launch and has been featured on Dubai One TV's "Studio One" "Twentysomething" and on MBC Network's "Sabah Al Khair Ya Arabiya" show on numerous occasions.
The Hamami Trio
The Essentials
Most great musical alliances start with a lucky meeting and Lidia bumped into the
legendary Syrian violinist Mohamad Hamami during filming of a TV promotional set. As
they were packing up their instruments, a guest jokingly requested some Dabkeh
(Arabic dance music), and with Mohamad’s brother Ayham on tambourine, a new
band was born.
Since then they’ve done numerous TV shows and featured at high profile events.
The polished repertoire is guaranteed dance material – a festive mixture of popular and
classic Arabic music, along with pieces composed by top musicians specifically for the
group.
Line up: Available as: Lidia Stankulova (Harp) Mohamad Hamami (Violin) Ayham Hamami (Percussion) Trio/Quartet/Quintet (w/ Voice & Accordion) ICE
Electric/Acoustic String Trio
The Essentials
Individually they’ve pretty much played the world. Pasha Cazan is a Moldovian
violinist who’s toured the big philharmonic halls of Europe. Hanuka Horii has a
Master’s in Jazz Violin – she’s mesmerised crowds in New York and Boston as well as
her native Japan. Cellist Aaron Kim was brought up in Seoul, he’s played with the
likes of Herbie Hancock and done gigs like the Latin Grammy’s.
So it’s hardly surprising that collectively ICE deliver a classy cultural cocktail – a
sophisticated acoustic experience that fuses classical music with swinging improvs,
weaving in a bit of Arabic, tango, jazz and contemporary riffs for good measure.
They’ve taken Dubai by storm performing at headline events like the Atlantis Hotel
grand opening, the 2008 Dubai International Film Festival and in concert with
Vanessa Mae – cementing them as the region’s premier crossover string act.
Line up: Available as: Pasha Cazan (Violin) Haruka Horii (Violin) Aaron DH Kim (Cello) Trio Lidia Stankulova
Classical & Arabic Harp
The Essentials
With a Masters in the harp from the National Music Academy of Bulgaria, having trained
under legends such as Madame Elizabeth Fontan-Binoche, Lidia Stankulova has an
entirely impressive classical background. The harp is always one of the most ethereal,
hypnotic instruments. But in Lidia's expert hands, it delivers a whole new potency and
delirium. Lidia’s expressive technique and impeccable training have resulted in a
natural versatility, her fingers as comfortable at coaxing out chamber music as celtic or
latin sounds. Her profound talent has seen her become one of the best Arabic harpists
in the region. Having toured the world, today she’s based in Dubai, playing solo and
with the legendary Syrian violinist Mohamad Hamami.
Line Up: Lidia Stankulova (Harp) Regulars: Emirates Towers (Dubai) Celeste Ribeiro
Jazz/Cover Vocalist The Essentials
Celeste’s career started as a child artiste after winning a local singing
competition in South Africa. At seventeen she started singing in
dance/club bands all over the country, honing her fronting skills as
well as harmony work. In 1998 she performed in an all girl show called
‘Girl Talk’ and it was during this time she was invited to sing at Nelson
Mandela’s 80th Birthday celebration, alongside internationally
renowned artistes such as Stevie Wonder, Michael and Jermaine
Jackson, Skunk Anansie- to name a few. Now permanently based in
Dubai, Celeste’s ability to capture an audience in the palm of her
hand is a pleasure to watch. Perfectly complimented by either a
backing band or solo piano, whether she’s crooning an audience
with old favourites or riling them up with more popular tunes her
performances alway sleave a lasting impression.
Malika Omar
Pianist
The Essentials
Sometimes creativity can only flourish at home. But in Malika case, sometimes home is
not where you think it is. She was born in South Africa but musically, the genetic and
geographic pull of the Middle East has always been irresistible. A talented pianist from
age 4, she started threading Arabic and Bollywood sounds into her Richard
Clayderman and Vivaldi influences in her teens.
She’s developed the sound into something really sophisticated, and this classicaleastern-fusion is the inspiration for her debut album Monsoon Dew, as well as her live
performances. The latter usually branches into a bit of western contemporary, jazz and
soul as well – mixing original works with covers, with an eastern echo.
Line up: Malika Omar (Piano) Notable Performances: Chivas Regal Legends Dinner, Dubai Summer Surprises, The Fridge Concert Series Notable Releases: Monsoon Dew (2009) Melisa Le Rue
Soul/Fusion Vocalist
The Essentials
Melisa Le Rue is a soul songstress influenced by Jazz, world music & hip-hop. Born on the same date as
Salvador Dali, she shares his fetish for creativity and self-expression.
Melisa started playing the piano at 4 and by the age of 11 was writing songs over the piano. Coming
from a family of school teachers on her father's side and rice farmers on her mother's side, education was
priority; so Melisa studied Philosophy & Sociology at London's LSE. (with a secret agenda to get into
London's thriving music scene...)
Inspired by the UKs capital, it didn?t take long for Melisa to start gigging as she started to develop a
unique style fusing vintage soul and jazz greats, with world music, neo soul and hip-hop.Shows
developed from LSE's open mic night, to Neo-soul jam sessions in Old Street and Notting Hill showcase
nights; and then the results saw her take to the festival scene in collaboration with the Latin Dub Sound
System at Glastonbury 2008, The Secret garden party (2007) KOKO's, Waterford festival (Ireland) &
Nottinghill Arts Club, and alongside one of the Urban underground's finest female rappers 'Yarah
Bravo' (BBE/Ninja Tune), at the Hammersmith Apollo (in support of Fat Freddy's Drop), Hip Hop Kemp
(Czech Republic), The Jazz Cafe (in support of Jaguar Wright), Splash festival (Germany) & Roskilde
(Denmark).
In 2008 looking for a change she made a move to Dubai, where she signed up to The Fridge. Since
moving to Dubai Melisa has collaborated with musicians & DJs for live Jazz/Soul/ Electronica shows,
establishing a live DJ/violin & vox project called "Sol Eclectic". Live shows in Dubai include NEOS New
Years eve (The Address Downtown), CHI, Alpha, West 14, Sanctuary (Atlantis), Abu Dhabi film festival, The
Timeout nightlife awards; as well as featuring live on Dubai One's "Twenty something show" and on MBC
TV. She is an Adidas originals ambassador after performing at the DEFJAM poetry jam in 2009. Melisa has
has also organised and performed at a few events at The Fridge including "History is herstory too" and
"The Hip-hop Symposium".
During Melisa time in Dubai she has had opportunities to travel around the globe, including shows at
VUDU Club in Cebu, Philippines (VUDU 2008), Trophee Bar in New york, 'Got Soul' at Bohanon, Berlin &
alongside Yarah Bravo at Weekend au bord de l'eau festival in Switzerland.
Busy with her paper and pen Melisa is currently writing & co-producing her solo debut album with
producers and musicians between London, Dubai & New York.
Mohamad Hamami
Arabic Violinist
The Essentials
Mohamad started his career in his mid teens, touring with such stars as Majda Al
Roumi, but he is in his element as a soloist, and captures hearts wherever he goes.
Mohamad Hamami has delighted audiences in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for five
years now, playing in public and special events. Wherever he plays, a crowd forms
around him, as his charismatic playing draws them closer.
One of Mohamad's life long dreams was to be able to have an orchestra that
would accompany him when playing classical and popular Arabic music.
This dream was achieved in 2008 at the Madinat Theatre Jumeirah with the
Inaugural concert of Mohamad and Sharq orchestra to great success. Since then
Mohamed has developed and extended the repertoire of the orchestra and has
performed a number of concerts throughout the region. Apart from performing
with Sharq, Mohamad is in great demand around the Gulf region. He performs
regularly both in and outside the UAE.
Oxana Uncu
Pianist
The Essentials
Born in Maldova, Oxana graduated from the Gavril Musicescu Academy with flying
colours and subsequently went on to showcase her talent in places as far afield as Spain
and the USA. Since relocating to Dubai in 2008 she has performed at many of the city's
most prestigious hotels and charmed audiences with her vibrant personality that shines
through in her exquisite playing. Whether it's lounge-y Jazz or consummate Classical,
Oxana is always at home behind her piano.
Line up: Regulars: Notable Performances: Oxana Uncu (Piano) Meydan Hotel (Dubai) AtlanEs (Dubai), InterconEnental (Al Ain), Al Marooj Rotana (Dubai) Rachael Calladine
Soul/ Jazz
The Essentials
With a career spanning over 20 years Rachael Calladine brings a vast and versatile night of entertainment to your
event. Originally from the UK she is regarded as one of the country's top Soul and Jazz vocalists.
UK appearances include over 25 shows at world famous Jazz club Ronnie Scotts, London (with her own UK band),
as well as appearances at other top venues in the UK and Europe such as The Jazz Cafe London, The 606 Club
London, Cafe De Paris London, La Pigalle London, Nachtcafe Munich and The Blue Note Milan.
Her lead vocal duties have included extensive touring with UK based, million record selling, hip hop/jazz group US3
(Blue Note, EMI), sharing the bill with artists such as Jamiroquai, The Brand New Heavies, Incognito, Joss Stone
and The Prodigy. She has provided backing vocals for The Spice Girls (UK tour, The Brit Awards), Melanie C and
Kylie Minogue, amongst others, whilst her Jazz credentials include lead vocals for the National Youth Jazz
Orchestra UK, The London Jazz Festival and appearances alongside Jazz greats such as The Yellowjackets, Louis
Hayes, Monty Alexander, Clarie Martin, Ian Shaw, Liane Carroll and the late John Dankworth.
Also a recording artist in her own right Rachael has written and recorded 3 solo albums and has numerous releases
worldwide on labels such as Universal (Giles Peterson Worldwide Vol 2) Cafe Del Mar, Hed Kandi, Open Bar (New
York) and Kwerk Records providing her with a healthy presence on itunes for some time. She is currently working
on her new solo album with leading producers/DJs in the Dubai area such as DJ Simon 'Schooly' Phillips and Greg
Stainer.
Now based in Dubai, Rachael is establishing herself as one of ‘the’ voices in the region and her clients include
Dubai International Jazz Festival, Abu Dhabi and Middle East Film Festivals, The Dubai World Cup, MBC TV, Dubai
TV, Radio 1 and Radio 2, as well as regular appearances at The Jumeirah Beach Hotel, The Meydan Hotel, The
Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, The Atlantis, Emirates Towers and many more. She can also often be heard providing
the voice on many radio and TV commercials!
With a diverse and varied repertoire she is able to provide Jazz, Soul, Latin, Blues and Funk. A powerful and
charismatic singer Rachael is guaranteed to reach her audience, leaving them feeling good and wanting more.
Line-Ups
Rachael Calladine Quartet
The Fairplay Project
4 piece vocal led band playing contemporary soul and
lounge music with a dash of jazz thrown in. Sample
songs include: Erykah Badu – On and On, Bill Withers –
Lovely Day, Incognitio – Always There, The Crusaders –
Street Life, Aretha Franklin- Natural Woman, Stevie
Wonder – Signed Sealed Delivered
A 3 or 4 piece band comprising of keys, drums, voice
and guitar. Playing Contemporary Classics with a Jazz
Twist. Songs that are well known but delivered in a
unique Fairplay style and rebuilt from the chords up!
Sample songs include: Estelle – American Boy, Rhianna –
Dont stop the music, Everything but the Girl – Missing,
Robyn S – Show me Love, David Guetta – When love
takes Over, Suzanne Vega – Toms Diner
The Fairplay Funk Project
A six piece band delivering full on funk. Delivering real
soul and funk in an authentic setting with brass section
and guitar included. Great for parties and events but
also ideal for concerts as there is also a less commercial
side to this band featuring material from The Tower of
Power and other funk greats. Sample songs include:
Jackson 5 – Blame it on the Boogie, Average White
Band – Pick up the Pieces, James Brown – I feel good,
Aretha Franklin – Rock Steady, Stevie Wonder –
Supastition, Stevie Wonder – I wish, Wilson Pickett Mustang Sally, Royal Flush -Too Hard To Handle, Wilson
Pickett – In The Midnight Hour
The Fairplay Jazz Project
Delivering authentic vocal led jazz, showcasing vocalist
Rachael Calladine’s real jazz roots and keyboardist
Andrew Jankura’s passion and skill in the genre. Ideal for
background, dinner jazz or concerts. This band can be a
duo, 3, 4 or 5 piece. Selected songs include: Ive got you
under my skin, Spain, My Funny Valentine, Feeling Good,
Girl from Ipanema, Fly me to the moon
Shelley Frost
Electric Harp
The Essentials
Born in South Africa, Shelley was principal harpist with the Natal Philharmonic Orchestra,
opened for José Carreras, supported Michael Jackson and has reams of other
bragging rights. But it’s her experimentation with the electric harp that’s elevated her
crowd-pulling status and made the music world take notice – twice voted finalist at the
Entertainer of the Year awards in the USA.
Going way beyond the realms of chamber-pop, she’s learnt to improvise over an
amazing mix of genres, trespassing into forbidden harp territories like tribal house and
chill-out lounge. It’s also led to unlikely collaborations with percussion, saxophone,
double bass and DJ. And as aesthetically spectacular as it is musically refined, the act
resembles a fetish for designer fashion battling for visual supremacy with an silver
electric harp.
Line up: Notable Performances: Shelley Frost (Electric Harp) Gi] of Sight Gala (US 2007), Launch of Premium Whisky Brand DIAGEO (India 2008), AtlanEs Hotel Opening (2008), Kanye West Dubai Desert Rhythm FesEval (2007), Narcicyst Rennes FesEval (France 2009) Shelley Frost
Electric Harp w/ Globe The Essentials
Ask people what the most entertaining instrument is and you’ll get lots of ‘guitars’,
‘sax’, drums’… Probably not so many ‘harps’. But these people clearly haven’t seen
the globally-acclaimed harpist Shelley Frost, grooving inside a giant transparent
dome, clad decked out in designer outfits, and brandishing a silver electric harp.
As musically refined as it is aesthetically spectacular, she’s gone way beyond the
realms of chamber-pop – improvising over an amazing mix of genres and trespassing
into forbidden harp territories, like tribal house and chill-out lounge. It’s also led to
unlikely collaborations with percussion, saxophone, double bass and DJ.
Line Up: Notable Performances: Shelley Frost (Electric Harp w/ Globe) Financial Times Business of Luxury Summit (Italy 2007) Linge Roset Store Launch (Qatar 2009) Bahrain City Centre Mall Opening (Bahrain 2008) Stoyan – Pianist/Composer
The Essentials
Stoyan Boykov Stoyanov is an excellent musician and composer with
outstanding skills in major music spheres such as composition (symphony
music, jazz piano, pop songs, acoustic, electronic and ambient styles, rhythm
and bass and etc.), piano-performance (mainly in the pop/jazz genres),
music theory, music post-production (including usage of most popular music
software as Cubase, VST instruments and plug-ins).
Sol’ Eclectic
DJ, Vocals & Electric Violin
The Essentials
Sol’ Eclectic has forged a name for itself as one of the best live acts in the Middle East.
Headed by Mestiza – a vocalist/songwriter who’s performed with major hip-hop artists
at Glastonbury, KOKO’s and the Hammersmith Apollo – with DJ Lady Red & Haruka on
the Electric violin, they’ve become a world-class outfit that have single-handedly raised
the profile of live electronic music in this part of the world.
Layering an amazing range of sounds from raw jazz guitar and sax to heavily spun
lounge and funky house tracks, their repertoire varies from uber chill-out to power
dance. Always upbeat and instantly recognisable by Mestiza’s signature jazz/soul
‘s’rapping’ style vocals.
Line Up: MesEza (Vocals) Haruka Horii (Violin) Lady Red (DJ) Notable Performances: Timeout nightlife awards (2010), Sanctuary nightclub (Dubai), Alpha nightclub (Dubai), MBC 1 Morning Show For even more entertainment options contact:
PO Box 71373
Dubai, UAE
Tel +971 4 347 7793
Fax +971 4 347 7792
[email protected]
www.thefridgedubai.com