Hamad Al Braidi: Qatar's very own Shakespeare

QL attended a Qatar National Day event recently hosted by Georgetown University. There were loads of entertainment, music, poetry, and traditional dances. Interestingly, when a Qatari poet went on stage, the entire audience became mesmerized.

Not being Arabic speakers, we could only observe that every word from the poet would elicit a profound reaction from the audience. It became quite clear, that this was no ordinary man in front of us.

After inquiring about the individual, who held an entire audience spellbound for over an hour, we were told his name was Hamad Al Braidi. A famous Qatari poet that built a fan base throughout the GCC.

We later sat down with Al Braidi for an interview. He revealed that his father was a well-known local poet and he began to recite his father's poetry when he was five years old. His family used to applaud his great memory, which encouraged him to commit to poetry recitation.

Once he entered grade 9, he began to write his own poetry. He received support and encouragement from both his father and school. This helped him take his poems to the public and deal with the scrutiny and criticism that would follow.

Al Braidi often writes about the love he has for a woman (he will not reveal her identity as it is culturally inappropriate), and he has dedicated three best selling book of poems to the same lady.

واعد طموحك دام لك خاطرٍ حيّ
واغنم حياتك والمقابيل ميراد
.
الا المحبه .. ما يشابه لها شيّ
ترى طراة الحب من دون ميعاد
. pic.twitter.com/b8enQ4UWw8

— حمد البريدي (@hamad_albraidi) November 20, 2016

Al Braidi comes from a highly conservative Bedouin tribe, where writing about love was frowned upon. Al Braidi would face Twitter attacks and people would even hashtag coordinated attacks against the natures of his poems.

However, Al Braidi was least bothered by the attacks as he had support from his family. He did recognize though that there were very few Qataris who would step into the limelight to face public opinion, which can often be harsh.

Out of curiously we asked why he did not marry the subject of his poetry. His answer? Due to family and societal boundaries and pressures, it would not be possible.

The poet also admits, he prefers to be in love from afar, as he believes this women to be perfect, while knowing in reality that is impossible. Thus, he enjoys the fantasy.

Al Braidi has said that his favorite poem to date was written about fathers a year ago. It delivered a huge impact on the GCC and throughout Qatar. Although, it left Al Braidi's mom questioning why he never write poems on mothers.

The following week, Al Braidi read a poem about mothers on television that left his mom, much pleased and very well surprised.

The poet has been offered numerous television positions based on his position as a poet. Yet, he has refused them all. However, Al Braidi wants to maintain poetry as a passion and write only when inspired.

When asked if he would consider translating his poems, he said no, as the poems would lose their rhythm, some of their meaning and rhymes. This is very unfortunate news for poetry lovers around the world. Or... it creates an incentive for all of us to learn Arabic.

Have you read any of Hamad Al Braidi's poems? Follow him on Twitter - @hamad_albraidi.