Invitation of Arab Cultural Performance Troupes
Performance
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Sudan – Ranin Elbalimbo
Ranin Elbalimbo - A traditional Sudanese folk bandRanin Elbalimbo is a folk band from Sudan founded by Professor Abdul-Atti Mohammed in 2003; the group aims to maintain and develop Sudanese traditional culture. They have participated in various TV shows in Sudan and festivals in a number of countries in the Middle East and Africa including Libya, Syria, Mozambique, Kenya and Republic of South Africa. At the 10th Arab Cultural Festival, a group of thirteen musicians will present traditional music from various regions in Sudan with modern instruments as well as Sudanese traditional instruments such as Tanbur.
*Tanbur
It is a plucked string instrument with long-neck originated from Mesopotamia, Central Asia and South Asia; it is used for folk music in India, Iran and Turkey. It has many different names such as Tanbur, Tambur, and Tambura in different regions. -
Iraq – Ahmad Shamma Oud Player Ahmad Shamma Ahmad Shamma is a successor to Iraqi traditional oud music who composes and plays various types of oud music in the Middle East with a modern interpretation. He studied music at Baghdad College of Arts and learned to play oud from Nasser Shamma, the master of out at Arabic Oud House in Cairo, Egypt which is the most prestigious oud training institution. While studying at Arabic Oud House, he started the band “Iraq”. After graduating he has been teaching at Arabic Oud House Abu Dhabi campus and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi campus to train performers as an oud educator. At the 10th Arab Cultural Festival, Ahmad Shamma will play Iraqi folk songs and other songs from his 2014 album Arabian Strings. He will also give special duets performance with Azza Zaarour who is a singer from Palestine.
Career History- Collaborated with world renowned artists such as 10 times Grammy awardee Jazz singer Bobby McFerrin, dancer Akram Khan, Lebanese singer Jahida Wehbe, Italian singer-song writer Enzo Avitabile, and a master oud player Naseer Shamma
- 1998-2003 A founder and member of Iraqi fusion music band “Iraq”
- 2008-2014 Taught next generation oud players at Arabic Oud House
- 2011-Present Has been teaching next generation oud players at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi campus
*Oud
The oud is a traditional Arabian stringed instrument with five or six string courses. It is a short-neck type, pear-shaped lute. It is used not only in the Arabian region but also in Turkey, Greece, Armenia, Iran and other close regions. -
Tunisia – Yasmine Azaiez Yasmine Azaiez – Tunisian Violinist Violinist Yasmine Azaiez
Career History
Yasmine Azaiez entered Yehudi Menuhin School when she was eight years old. Ever since then she has received prizes from world renowned violin competitions. Yasmine Azaiez’s music, which is all composed and arranged by her, is influenced by jazz, classic and Arab music, reflecting the artist’s musical background. At the 10th Arab Cultural Festival, Yasmine Azaiez will perform songs that reflect her unique style -including songs from her 2016 album Fusion- with her band consisting of violin, guitar, double bass, darbuka, and drums.- Performed at various international stages including Royal Albert Hall in London, Jordan Hall in Boston, Royal Opera House Muscat in Oman and Festival International de Cathage.
- Collaborated with violinist Sarah Chang, pianist Andras Schiff, Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra and other artists.
- Directed music and acted in the movie Histoires Tunisiennes that was screened at the2012 Festival De Cannes and other festivals.
- Established Yasmine Azaiez Academy in 2015 for next generation musicians in Tunisia.
*Darbuka
A goblet shaped single head drum. Players tap the drum with their palm or fingers to produce sounds. Because of its goblet shape, like ‘Jembe’ of West Africa and ‘Dadabuan’ of the Philippines, this special membranophone is also known as goblet drums.