A Dream Deferred—But Not Forgotten‍

For years, music remained a passion she indulged in only privately. In 2007, she took opera vocal lessons while studying in Dubai, marking the first step toward honing her craft. Yet, when an opportunity arose for a scholarship to Italy, the weight of cultural expectations pulled her back. "We don't have girls that sing," her father told her, and with that, she shelved the possibility of a professional music career.

However, as Seneca once wrote, "Ducunt volentem fata, nolentem trahunt"—Fate leads the willing, and drags along the unwilling. Years later, an underground performance in Riyadh reignited something within her. A friend’s band invited her to sing a few songs in a compound, and the reaction from the audience was electric. "I was hooked," she admits.

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"There was something about sharing that part of me that was so fulfilling."

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From Underground Stages to the Public Eye
As Saudi Arabia underwent a cultural transformation, new opportunities emerged. The launch of the General Entertainment Authority in 2019 brought with it public performance permits, giving artists like Nourah the chance to step out of the underground scene and onto sanctioned stages. It was during this pivotal moment that she created a public Instagram account, posting a video of herself and longtime collaborator Sean Carey performing covers in front of family.

That simple video changed everything. Bookings started coming in, and the duo—once just two friends making music together—became a recognized act in Saudi’s growing music scene. "Sean gave me the courage to keep going. I don’t think I’d be here if it wasn’t for him," she reflects. The duo’s chemistry, built on mutual encouragement and a shared love for harmonies, set them apart in a landscape still finding its footing.

Music Was Always There

Long before she stepped onto public stages, music was an intimate part of Nourah’s life. Raised in a household that embraced melody, her childhood was filled with impromptu performances at family gatherings, where an oud-playing cousin and a mother with a beautiful voice set the foundation for her musical journey. "I was singing before I remember speaking," she recalls, emphasizing how natural it was for her to express herself through song.

Her siblings, much older and musically diverse in their tastes, introduced her to a world far beyond what her peers were listening to. While other children idolized boy bands, Nourah was absorbing the sounds of jazz, rock, disco, and Motown. But despite this deep connection to music, she kept it as a personal passion, treating it as a treasured secret rather than a future career.

"Sometimes it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine." — This line from The Imitation Game resonates with the journey of Nourah, a Saudi artist whose voice has carried her beyond societal expectations and into a space where music is no longer a hidden passion but a recognized profession. Historically, female musicians once remained in the shadows, Nourah’s story is one of quiet defiance, steady perseverance, and an ever-deepening love for her craft.

Navigating Tradition and Transformation
While the Saudi music scene has evolved rapidly, the road to acceptance wasn’t always smooth. Some family members opposed Nourah’s path, and at times, it led to painful estrangements. But she remained steadfast, choosing to let her work speak for itself. Over time, as the government embraced music and live performances, their resistance softened.

Initially, she took subtle steps to ensure her performances aligned with cultural sensibilities—sitting down while singing, wearing an abaya on stage.

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"I found ways to sing without being too offensive," she explains.

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Her respect for tradition allowed her to exist within the boundaries while gently pushing them outward.

A New Chapter: Jazz and Beyond‍

As her confidence grew, so did her exploration of different genres. While pop, rock, and disco shaped her early musical influences, jazz became a defining space for her artistry.

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"It has always resonated with me, like it was part of my soul’s journey," she says.

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Her performances at major events like MDLBEAST’s Soundstorm marked significant milestones. "The first time Sean and I performed there, it felt like everything we worked so hard on was rewarded," she shares. By the time she returned in 2021 with a jazz band, she had grown into herself, allowing her voice to fill the stage with newfound confidence.

An even greater honor came when she was invited to perform with the Herbie Hancock Institute Band—sharing a stage with jazz legends and representing Saudi Arabia on an international level.

In 2023, Nourah took a significant step in her journey by joining The Hunna Program, a mentorship initiative dedicated to empowering women in music initiated by MDLBEAST under the XP Music Cultures. Through this program, she was paired with Lebanese-American artist and composer Mayssaa Karaa, whose guidance provided invaluable insights into the industry. "Having a mentor like Mayssaa has been an incredible experience," Nourah shares. "She helped me refine my artistic vision and navigate the challenges of being a female artist in a rapidly evolving landscape." The program not only deepened her understanding of the global music scene but also reinforced her commitment to uplifting other women in the industry. Through this mentorship, Nourah continues to evolve—not just as a musician, but as a guiding force for future generations of Saudi female artists.

Beyond the Music: A Voice for Others‍

With music now an accepted career choice in Saudi Arabia, Nourah finds herself at a crossroads.

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"Now that music has become normalized, what’s next for me?" she wonders.

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For her, the answer lies in empowerment—both in continuing her personal evolution and in uplifting the next generation of female artists.

“I use my voice not just to sing but to empower others who can’t be heard,” she asserts. Whether through participating in discussions about Saudi’s music industry, mentoring aspiring artists, or simply leading by example, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their own creative paths.

Mental Health and the Art of Balance‍

The pursuit of music hasn’t come without its struggles. The instability of gigs and the pressures of maintaining a public presence can take a toll. "It’s funny when the thing you love and go to for safety is also the source of stress," she reflects.

Her approach to mental health is rooted in self-awareness. She embraces the philosophy of "naming to tame"— acknowledging emotions rather than suppressing them. Taking breaks, diversifying her interests, and surrounding herself with a support system have been essential to maintaining balance. Her advice to aspiring artists is simple: "Love yourself. It’s okay to take breaks. Listen to your inner voice. Find a support system."

The Future: A Journey, Not a Destination‍

As Nourah continues to carve out her space in the music world, she remains committed to growth—both as an artist and as an individual. Her journey isn’t about reaching a final destination but rather about embracing each step along the way.

In many ways, her story echoes the essence of The Imitation Game—challenging expectations, defying norms, and ultimately proving that what once seemed impossible is simply the next step waiting to be taken.

For Nourah, the music will always be there. And now, the world is finally listening.