The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), in partnership with Berklee Abu Dhabi, hosted a moving edition of the Riwaq Al Fikr – ADMAF Talks series, honouring the life and legacy of Quincy Jones – a towering figure in global music, humanitarianism, and cross-cultural collaboration. With over 2,900 credits across film, television, and recorded music, and as the winner of 28 Grammy Awards, an Emmy, a Tony, and an Oscar, Jones’ legacy remains unparalleled.
Held at Berklee Abu Dhabi, the event featured a distinguished panel of cultural and musical leaders who reflected on Jones’ immense contributions to the world. Participating in the conversation were H.E. Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises &longtime friend and collaborator of Jones; Ron Savage, Vice President and Executive Director of Berklee College of Music; Sean K. Skeete, Dean of the Professional Performance Division at Berklee; Mayssa Karaa, Artistic Director of Berklee Abu Dhabi and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter; and Terri Lyne Carrington, Founder and Artistic Director of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice and a multiple Grammy Award-winning artist.
Beyond his commercial success, the discussion focused on Quincy Jones’ enduring commitment to humanitarian causes and his belief in music as a vehicle for global unity. H.E. Badr Jafar reflected: “Quincy didn’t just make music – he built bridges. His belief in music as a force for unity mirrors the UAE’s own commitment to cultural dialogue and creativity as engines of progress. Our work together, from ‘Bokra’ to countless shared moments, reflected his enduring message: that music, when fused with purpose, can not only inspire but empower communities across the world. The Abu Dhabi Festival exemplifies this vision – a platform that not only celebrates the arts but elevates them as a catalyst for positive change.”
H.E. Badr Jafar also spoke of their collaboration on the charity single “Bokra” (“Tomorrow”), which brought together 17 of the Arab world’s leading artists to raise funds for arts education. The track, which has garnered over 40 million views on YouTube, continues to inspire a message of hope across the region. “When we worked on ‘Bokra’, Q reminded me that the most powerful art doesn’t just entertain – it empowers. That song was his love letter to the region,” H.E Badr Jafar added.
Her Excellency Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, said: “The Riwaq Al Fikr – ADMAF Talks Series has long been a popular feature of the Abu Dhabi Festival, allowing us to reflect on the arts, engage with great artists, and meet great minds. But today was special as we paid tribute to an icon – not just of music, but of humanity: the legendary Quincy Jones. “Quincy was a cherished friend to the United Arab Emirates, a country that he deeply admired and a place that he could always call home. He was a trusted friend, whom I was introduced to by Badr.”
H.E. continued:Quincy always led in giving opportunities for talented young musicians. He nurtured and supported so many. We had the privilege to present some of them at the Abu Dhabi Festival. From the extraordinary music of Cuban pianist, Alfredo Rodriguez, to the incredible jazz prodigy Joey Alexander and the talented Emirati soul singer Hamdan Al Abri.
“He once said ‘Music has the power to heal wounds, bridge divides, and bring people together. Use it wisely.’ This belief lies at the heart of ADMAF, the Abu Dhabi Festival and aligns with the wider values of the UAE. It has been a privilege to share our dreams, our purpose, our journey, with Quincy Jones. We will continue to carry his legacy forward,” H.E. concluded.
Jim Lucchese, President of Berklee commented: “Berklee, ADMAF, H.E. Huda AlKahmis Kanoo and H.E. Badr Jafar all share a deep and lifelong commitment to the power of music to bring us closer together, transcending place, identity and even time. Berklee alumnus Quincy Jones was the true embodiment of this commitment. For that reason, it was both fitting and a true honor for Berklee Abu Dhabi to host this vital conversation. We truly appreciated partnering with the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation to make this event possible.”
The Riwaq Al Fikr – ADMAF Talks series – presented as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival – offers students and audiences across the UAE a rare opportunity to engage with global cultural leaders through live talks and lectures. This special session served not only as a tribute to Quincy Jones, but also as a call to young creatives to harness their talents for a greater purpose.
