UAE-based musician Sarah Rocio Provenzani's path to the studio has been anything but typical. Notably, she didn't begin playing an instrument until she was 22. The half-Italian, half-Venezuelan artist shares: “I've always been passionate about music, but I lacked confidence for a long time. It was my mother who encouraged me to take lessons.” Now 26, she adds: “I delved into classical and jazz music, and later discovered my fervor for electronic music, particularly melodic techno.” She also embraced her stage persona, Sarah R Jay. “For my career as a singer and composer in electronic and melodic techno, I adopted the stage name 'Sarah R Jay', where Jay symbolizes 'DJ' and pays homage to Michael Jackson, my favorite pop artist since childhood,” she explains.
Before her musical awakening, Sarah tried various jobs and courses, from teaching Spanish to children to pursuing business management at university. But once she found her calling, she dedicated herself to mastering her craft. In addition to pursuing diplomas from Trinity College in London, she joined Ras Al Khaimah Music Zone. “Upon moving to the UAE, I sought a premier music center and was fortunate to find Music Zone in Ras Al Khaimah, established by the government, offering top-notch facilities where I could hone my passion with the support of exceptional professionals like Ashleigh September, my vocal coach, and Sherif Mohsen, who assisted me with professional recording, editing, mixing, and mastering,” she recounts.
As her horizons expanded, she realized her music could be a vehicle for change, raising awareness and making a difference. “I aspire to introduce something fresh to the music industry and convey important messages to the world. Many topics are overlooked; they only discuss love and relationships. I want to offer something more profound.” Her debut project? A song titled Sea of Sorrow, which sheds light on the plight of abandoned animals. This is a pressing issue in the UAE, with animal shelters and volunteers advocating for better education on pet ownership and associated costs. “The vocal version was recorded at Music Zone Studios on July 23, with mixing and mastering completed on August 15,” she informs City Times. “Sea of Sorrow is an intense ballad infused with electronic music. My aim was to create an emotionally stirring atmosphere, accentuated by powerful drum and bass rhythms that amplify the drama. The lyrics are designed to resonate deeply with listeners,” Sarah elaborates.
She dedicated the track to the countless rescuers who work tirelessly, often at personal cost, to care for stray animals across the Emirates. Sarah herself is a rescuer. “My first cat, I found in 2019 with my father. Since then, we've rescued many cats. We now have about 50; 20 at home and 30 outside. We feed them, neuter them. It's hard work, but it's crucial.” She has numerous ideas to enhance rescue efforts. “I propose a small fee (an animal welfare levy), equivalent to the cost of a cup of coffee (Dh15), be charged when obtaining a new visa. This could generate a substantial budget to establish more public animal welfare centers that support these animals. To trap, neuter, and release, and attempt to foster or adopt them.” She emphasizes that these centers should provide four essential services: medical care, food, shelter, and free neutering. “These services should be available to stray or abandoned animals brought in by rescuers (family pets should go to private vets, not these centers),” she clarifies.
She also advocates for a UAE-wide app linked to these welfare centers, listing all animals available for adoption. “I want to touch hearts and urge people to care for animals, as they are innocent and pure, deserving no suffering. They deserve love and care. If you adopt them, they can offer a love beyond imagination. They are wonderful beings that need our care.” The singer is currently working on her second single, Dubai's Moonlit Glow. “It captures and portrays the beauty of Dubai's nightscapes under the moonlight,” she says. English is not Sarah's native language, but she feels most at ease singing and writing songs in English. “I write in English, but I should also be able to do so in Spanish and Italian. Sometimes, I struggle to speak English. But when it comes to writing, it flows naturally.” If instinct is the cornerstone of success, Sarah has it in spades; all she needs is to trust herself and sing.
