Whether you’ve had the pleasure of hearing her sing her heart out at several outdoor events, or you’ve collaborated with her as a fellow artist, it’s safe to say that Ghaneema Al-Qudmani is one of the pleasant familiar faces you’re bound to run into and be impressed by in Kuwait’s creative scene.

The full-time graphic designer moonlights as a singer/songwriter and performer, most known for her soulful renditions of famous songs like Nancy Sinatra’s “Bang Bang”. Though her professional skill is graphic design, her indie vibes and buttery voice made way for a reputable music career within the community. “Most people know me for my music,” she says of her passion, indicating that the reason why she seems so familiar is due to her regular attendance in Kuwait’s artistic endeavors.

Although Ghaneema’s musical presence is avid, the artist claims herself to be shy, and insists that she’s been putting in more of an effort to improve her stage presence as of late, starting with her recent starring role in a local university’s production of Mamma Mia! “I feel like it helped me learn how to interact with an audience more when I’m singing. I tend to put up a barrier between myself and the audience during my performances, and being in a play helped knock that barrier down.”

But it’s evident, if you’ve seen her perform, that the barrier only shows focus and intent on the music she, along with her band, guitarist Omar Salem and drummer Abdulrahman Essa create. This journey was a surprising one for Ghaneema, who always loved to sing, and has been drawing all her life, but kept pushing herself to discover aspects of her passion, testing the waters and seeing what she could do. “It all started with a little push,” she says, when asked how it all started.

She found herself breaking into Kuwait’s music scene in 2012, when said little push led her to debut her talents at Qout, with the accompaniment of her acoustic guitar. “I actually met my guitarist at that time, and we started jamming, then I was introduced to my drummer, and then along the way, other members of the musical community.”

Ghaneema is active in the musical community, holding fellow musicians she’s met over the years close to her heart. “I never would have met a bunch of the great people I know if it wasn’t for the music. They’re all extremely supportive, and I think that we should all come together more often, and collaborate as a whole – help each other, without competition.”

The band’s upcoming EP Bad Habits does contain more original work, harmonizing with her illustrations, but we’ll have to wait till 2017 to see what they sound like! “I don’t play originals at shows because I want to release them on my album”, she says slyly, maintaining bits of the mystery her character cannot compromise. And yet, she still manages to break down the barrier enough to play our favorite getting-to-know-you game.

Truth or Dare questionnaire

How would your mother describe you in one word?

Unique.

How would you describe your mother in one word?

Queen.

What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?

“How did you learn Arabic so fast?”

What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

Going out without a plan.

What is your theme song?

“Welcome To the Jungle” – Guns and Roses.

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?

Renegade.

Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location?

Wherever my loved ones are.

What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?  

“May the Force be with you.” –Star Wars

What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in?

Unicorn.

What do you miss about your childhood?

Its simplicity.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

Mad Giggles.

How would you describe your handshake in one word?

Firm.

What is the toughest part of your character?

My sarcasm.

Who is your favorite historical figure?

Darth Vader! Realistically speaking, Albert Einstein.

What in the world do you least desire?

Politics.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of would make the world a better place?

Spreading love and kindness.

Why do you think most girls/guys like you?

I’m there when someone needs me.

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…” 

Pizza.

Check out Ghaneema’s online portfolio at www.Ghaneema.weebly.com.