WOMAD

Kamal Musallam Group with Sokoor & Abri

From United Arab Emirates

This collaboration, between Jordian musician Kamal Musallam and Emirati bands Sokoor Al Magabeel and ABRI, will be creating a fusion of Jazz, Soul, Arabic and Emarati music.

Jordanian musician Kamal Musallam, born in 1970, is a pioneer of Arabic Fusion since 1999 with two releases "On A Jordan River's Side" and "Out Of My City". He transports audiences to a magical world of music through the dulcet tones of his traditional Arabic Oud, and the newly invented instrument "the Glissentar". Famed for his exotic musical combinations of traditional Arabic tunes with Flamenco and Jazz, he has performed with international artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Randy Brecker and Stanley Jordan among many others. Kamal Musallam and his group members, Afif Brothers, are familiar faces in the UAE, having previously played at the International Jazz Festivals, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. They have also performed internationally in Japan, India and at Java Jazz Festival in Indonesia. Sokoor Al Magabeel is a Folk Emarati music band founded in 1995 by the poet Mohammed Abdullah Al Meqbali. They remain the most renowned band in the region for their participation in many local and international music events, artistic productions and local music evolution. ABRI was founded by Emarati singer Hamdan Al Abri and Keyboardist Julian Symes in 2005. The band has recently released their second album "Blank Notes". They have been performing internationally and in Dubai and Bahrain, sharing the stage with Kanye West, Mika, Joss Stone, Ziggy Marley, among others.
(Biography supplied by artists management)

Kamal Mussalam and Sokhoor are representing UAE, as a special commission by ADACH (Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage)