The prince of R&B

You may find it entirely unsurprising – and perhaps uninteresting too – to learn that until last year no Saudi royal had ever performed in a music video.

But that was before Prince Faisal bin Mansour bin Thunayan Al Saud, who previously "worked" as a bodybuilder and motorcyclist decided to embark on a new career in R&B.

The prince (seen here looking ultra-cool with shaved head and shades) has brought out two songs, “Dear Mother Dear Father” and “Never Too Late”.

The Falafel Mafia blog, which has the full story, says the lyrics (in English) are "exactly what you would expect from a rich Saudi royal with Beyonce and piety on the mind". Here's a sample:

It was at this at this party / where I saw this shorty / and she was all over the place / tried to get male attention / by wearing short dresses / but she had a sad look on her face / young sister / you ain’t gotta dress the way that you seen on TV / be true to (Allah) yourself nobody else / and believe me you’re gonna be free / everybody makes mistakes / but it’s no reason to lose your faith / just believe that God is great / and inshalla you’ll find your way

Posted by Brian Whitaker, 8 January 2010.