Dubai, UAE: Everybody knows the path to rock glory is not an easy one. It takes talent (sometimes), years of hard work, determination, and more than a little bit of luck. But for some, there was even more to it than that. Some stars had to overcome years of rejection, poverty, and career shift in addition to everything else.
Ibby VK, a homegrown Dubai-based musician who started his path as a Chemical Engineering student, got his bachelor’s degree at the American University of Sharjah in 2017, is now living his dream as one of UAE’s fastest rising local artists, playing music in some of the coolest venues, festivals and events in the country. After finishing his studies, Ibby never even considered an engineering career and immediately began to pursue a career in music.
“My mom still doesn’t know that I am now a performer,” said Ibby. “I put my guitar and all my musical equipment inside the trunk of my car as I don’t want her to feel bad.”
“Everyone always told me that I won’t earn enough with music and the future is not looking so bright, strangers, friends, and even family.”
The irony is, Ibby’s mom spent her working life as a music teacher, and is a huge fan of reality singing competitions such as The Voice Arabia and Arab Idol.
Ibby shared his experience studying and pursuing a college degree for the sake of his family. “I love my family so much. They gave me everything so I can have the best education in the world, however, music is my passion and the only thing I am good at, and I would like to perform and share my music with the world for the rest of my life.”
The underpaid and under-appreciated music industry in the UAE is one of the key challenges that Ibby faced while trying to penetrate the music scene. He shared, “There were many low moments of my life when I am pursuing my musical career. It’s even harder when no one wants to listen to your voice, to your music. I had to beg and literally ask everyone if they need a singer or musician for their restaurant or events. There was a time when I had nothing left in my bank account and had to cut down on food to survive.”
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