The young singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Shamma Hamdan’s rise to prominence as the first Emirati finalist on Arabs Got Talent was never to be taken for granted. She did so in casual attire, uncharacteristically brandishing an acoustic guitar to offer a refreshing take on her native Khaleeji music—controversial in the eyes of some of her compatriots. Following her eyebrow-raising stint on the popular TV show at only 18 years of age, Hamdan has turned her attention to putting a modern spin on the genre, an effort spurred on by her unique vocal prowess. With a steady stream of acclaimed releases since 2012, as well as an appearance on the Middle East’s version of Coke Studio, where she collaborated with British singer Jay Sean, the graceful songstress is set to maintain her conquest of Khaleeji pop audiences across the region and beyond.