“A Tribute to Knowledge, Culture, and Collaboration”
In a world where music bridges gaps and inspires transformation, few projects resonate as deeply as House of Wisdom. This captivating new release is not just a song but a powerful tribute to the spirit of knowledge, innovation, and collaboration that defined the Islamic Golden Age. Drawing inspiration from the original House of Wisdom in 9th-century Baghdad, this project celebrates the thinkers and visionaries who changed the course of history while offering a hopeful call to today’s dreamers to create a better tomorrow.
The music video, filmed in the modern-day House of Wisdom in Sharjah, UAE, represents a seamless blend of history and modernity. With its striking visuals and profound message, the project pays homage to the cultural richness of Sharjah, a city committed to preserving and celebrating its heritage. Supported by the visionary leadership of Shaikha Bodour Al Qasimi and brought to life by an incredible creative team, the video is a visual feast that reminds us of the transformative power of knowledge and unity.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the journey behind House of Wisdom, exploring its themes, creative process, and the unique collaboration that made it possible. From the challenges of filming in Sharjah to the incredible team of artists and visionaries who contributed to this masterpiece, we uncover the layers of thought and dedication behind the project. Get ready to be inspired by the story of how history, culture, and music converge in this monumental release.
Congratulations on the release of House of Wisdom! What inspired the concept behind this music video?
This single draws inspiration from the original House of Wisdom in 9th-century Baghdad and the brilliant minds that helped shape the modern world. When we were invited to perform at the opening of the Sharjah Entrepreneur Festival in 2022, we visited the new House of Wisdom in Sharjah and were instantly captivated. Thanks to the generosity of Shaikha Bodour Al Qasimi, we had the unique opportunity to explore this dynamic cultural hub and film the music video in its inspiring space. We hope it resonates with and motivates the youth as deeply as it inspired us.
House of Wisdom is dedicated to dreamers, thinkers, and believers. How does this message tie into the song and video?
The album Granada centers on a unifying theme, shining a spotlight on the Islamic Golden Age and aiming to inspire the new generation to rekindle that era of innovation and enlightenment. It encourages us to come together as thinkers and visionaries, set aside our egos, and collaborate for the benefit of future generations. This video serves as the introduction to the rest of the project, set to release on 12/12, inshallah.
The video is visually stunning. Can you tell us about the filming process and how you brought the concept to life?
We’ve always dreamed of creating a video like this, and the idea had been with us for a long time. To bring it to life, we knew we needed the right team. Yakoob worked closely with our brothers at Both Studio in Dubai, sharing the vision behind the project. Together, we drew inspiration from films like Lion of the Desert and Lawrence of Arabia—the former for its storytelling and the latter for its striking use of color. We had in-depth discussions about the original House of Wisdom and the Golden Age, ensuring everyone was aligned with the message and tone. The process was incredibly special and deeply spiritual for all of us.
How was it collaborating with Sharjah and the incredible team behind the project, like Shurooq (Sharjah Investment and Development Authority) and Shaikha Bodour Alqasimi?
Shaikha Bodour is truly an inspiring and visionary leader, and it was an absolute honor to work with her on this project. Seeing women in leadership roles driving progress and transformative change in the region is a testament to the revival of a modern-day Golden Age. The Shurooq team was incredible, providing invaluable support with locations and everything we needed in Sharjah to bring this vision to life. A heartfelt thank you to Shaikha Bodour, Khuloud, Rekan, Yakub, and the entire team for making this journey unforgettable.
Sharjah is a unique and culturally rich location. How did the city and its history influence the video’s aesthetic and narrative?
Sharjah’s commitment to preserving culture, heritage, and history is truly inspiring. Witnessing the city’s growth and being part of its vision was an honor. The House of Wisdom in Sharjah serves as an important anchor in the region, and we felt it was crucial to highlight and celebrate it through our music. The history of the original House of Wisdom is remarkable, and having it restored and reimagined in our modern era made it the perfect subject for this project.
What role did the House of Wisdom itself play in shaping the music video’s theme and visuals?
Everything about the House of Wisdom—the architecture, the vast amount of knowledge stored in its building, the advanced technology, and the exhibitions held there—worked seamlessly with the message we wanted to convey. It was the perfect setting for the story we wanted to tell. We’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity.
Were there any memorable moments or challenges during the shoot in Sharjah?
Every moment was memorable. This project was something we had envisioned for a long time, so finally bringing it to life made it one of our favorite projects so far.
You worked with an amazing lineup of creatives, including Thegreyfish and Essa Hashemi. What was it like collaborating with them on this project?
These guys are incredibly talented and based in Kuwait. We’ve always wanted to work with young creatives like them who truly deserve to be in the spotlight. When we heard the beat, we immediately knew this was the sound we wanted for this song.
How did you ensure that the video’s visuals complemented the song’s powerful message?
We’ve had a long-standing relationship with our friends at Both Studio, and we’ve always wanted to collaborate on a project like this. When we shared the idea with them, they were immediately on board and helped bring the vision to life. Their commitment and creativity made all the difference.
What do you hope viewers and listeners take away from House of Wisdom?
We want to shed light on the history and legacy of this place of knowledge. So much of what we have today originated from that era. The wisdom and information from the Golden Age should be protected and shared. Sharjah is doing an incredible job of preserving and promoting this legacy, and we hope our video inspires others to appreciate it as well.
How does this project reflect your artistic evolution since your last releases?
In our debut album Shaykh The World, we began highlighting the importance of the Golden Age. With this project, we’ve fully dedicated our focus to that era. The House of Wisdom and the city of Sharjah served as a bridge between our history and a tangible contribution to our present-day storytelling.
With House of Wisdom out now, what’s next for Sons of Yusuf? Any new projects or causes you’re excited to share?
This song is a single from our upcoming album Granada, which is set to drop on 12/12/2024, inshallah. We also have several exciting projects lined up for 2025 that we can’t wait to share. We’re deeply grateful for everyone who has supported us along the way and are excited to take you all on this journey with us.
