"I am Jameela Saad Ali al-Hamdani, born in Sana. I am 27-years-old. I started to play the oud 10 years ago, and recorded my first album in 2001, when I started my life as a singer.

I then started to produce my own albums following disagreements with production companies. I opened my own production company and have so far released three albums.

I was influenced by many old singers in Yemen, such as Ali al-Anisi, Ali Abdullah al-Sima, al-Harithi, al-Senaidar… I was influenced by many Yemeni singers.  

In the past, it was difficult, but now, people are more open-minded. They have started to realise that singing is not shameful or forbidden, and that everything has its limits. 

Now, Thank God, music in Yemen has started to develop. We now have music institutes in the country. 

I wish Yemen to live in happiness, progress and prosperity, as Yemen is the source of civilisation and Arabism.

I wish the Yemeni people to always be in good health and in peace, and to realise that singing is not a disgrace and it is normal if young girls want to become singers."

Next Music Station airs at the following times GMT each week: Tuesday: 2000; Wednesday: 1200; Thursday: 0100; Friday: 0600; Saturday: 2000; Sunday: 1200; Monday: 0100; Tuesday: 0600. Click here for more on the series.