Grammy Award-winning Omar Akram: "Most people think that if you have enough money to do a project, then you can succeed. I learned the hard way - money alone is not enough. It's a combination of your talent, vision, hard work and resources"

“Weiner: Can you share the most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your music career?

Akram: I spent over a year working on my fourth album, “Echoes of Love.” When it was completed, I reluctantly submitted to be considered for a Grammy Award. When it received a Grammy nomination, I was very surprised and of course, ecstatic! So on the day of the awards ceremony, I honestly didn’t think I had a chance to win, especially with the amazing line up of nominees in my category. When the announcer called my name as the winner for Best New Age Album, I couldn’t believe it! I became the first Afghan-American in history to win a Grammy. This moment changed my life!

Weiner: What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

I just finished my new album, “Destiny” and am very excited about it. The first single is coming out at the beginning of June. I had the honor to work with and incredible group of musicians and engineers, including Producer Walter Afanasieff (Mariah Carrey, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, and many others), musicians like Ramon Stagnaro, (Andrea Boccelli) and Shardad Rohani (Yanni Live at the Acropolis), conducting the Slovak Radio Symphony on two tracks. It was mixed at Westlake Studios in Hollywood, famous for Michael Jackson’s Thriller sessions. The project’s engineer is four-time Grammy winner Dave Reitzas.”

Read the whole interview here. 

Via broadwayworld.com:

“Akram celebrated with Afanasieff, family and friends yesterday evening (13 August) at an exclusive, star-studded media and industry event, held at the Sofitel in Beverly Hills, that included a special performance by the artist. Guests included Amy Shi, CAA’s David Dubinsky, Dustin Quick & Medi EM, Eric Darius, Good Morning LaLaLand’s Jezlan Moyet, Kat Kramer, LA Weekly publisher Kevin Xu, E! founder Larry Namer, singer Summer Watson, Vivian B. (Miss California US Nation 2019), and many others.

“Working with Omar Akram was a pleasure! His insight into to who he is as an artist is rare in today’s constantly compromising music industry. His talent as a pianist and composer were beyond my expectations. Bravo Omar!,” says Afanasieff.

Akram comments, “I spent almost two years of my life working on Destiny, collaborating with some of the greatest producers, musicians and engineers. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself artistically. I think it’s my best work to date and I can’t wait to share it with as many people as possible, and hopefully perform it live all over the world.”

Read the whole story here