In the world of music, certain prodigies emerge, not through sheer ambition alone, but through an unspoken connection with their instrument—like how August Rush instinctively heard melodies in the world around him.
Ahmed Al Hashemi’s journey with the piano began much the same way.
As a child, he found himself drawn to the keys, his fingers naturally seeking harmonies before he even understood what they were. Today, his name resonates across concert halls, not only for his talent but for the personal depth he infuses into every note he plays.
“Music has been a powerful way for me to express my emotions,” Ahmed shares.
This sentiment is not merely poetic; it is the very foundation of his artistry. Growing up with autism presented social and communicative challenges, but rather than viewing them as barriers, Ahmed turned to music as his voice. Ex pressio unius est exclusio alterius—expression through music meant everything else faded into the background. For Ahmed, the piano was not just an instrument but a bridge, a way to articulate what words sometimes could not.
His rise in the musical world has been marked by moments of both personal and professional triumph. One such defining moment was his performance in Egypt alongside the esteemed singer Ali Al Hajar.
“To be the first Emirati kid to perform at Opera Cairo made me proud,” Ahmed recalls.
The connection with the audience, the weight of the moment—it was an affirmation that he was exactly where he was meant to be.
His dedication and skill did not go unnoticed. When he received the Rising Talent Award from UNESCO, it served as more than just recognition—it was an impetus to push forward. “It made me feel proud and motivated to keep improving my music,” he explains. Awards are acknowledgments, but for Ahmed, they are also stepping stones to greater creative exploration and collaboration.
Composing, for him, is a meticulous yet instinctive process. “I start by thinking about the emotions I want to express,” he says. “Then, I experiment with different melodies and harmonies until I find something that feels right.” His approach is both structured and fluid—a balance of inspiration and discipline. This equilibrium extends beyond music into his personal life. The demands of practice, performances, and creative composition require structure, yet he ensures that time is also reserved for family, books, and even video games.
Despite his accomplishments, Ahmed is ever-conscious of the people who have supported him, particularly his mother. “Her guidance has helped me grow as a musician and as an individual,” he acknowledges. Success, after all, is never truly a solo composition. Non sibi, sed omnibus—not for oneself, but for all—seems to be a quiet philosophy in his journey. His music is not just for personal fulfillment but for connection, awareness, and healing.
Much like the prodigious journey in August Rush, Ahmed’s story is one of discovery, not just of music but of belonging. From the quiet curiosity of a child at the piano to the resonance of his notes on grand stages, his path is a composition still in progress—each chord bringing him closer to his place in the world.
NEXT is musivv's segment featuring young and up-and-coming artists. Features under this segment are considered as submissions for nomination under this category in the Musivv Awards’ annual recognition.
