We wanted to start our 2020 at Hootananny with a bang, or better, with a first-rate musician. So, for our first Global Sunday of the year, we thought there was no better way to do that than by inviting a brilliant singer/songwriter who moves between Arabic folk and acoustic rap...
Tag Archives: Middle Eastern
At times, we ask the Rhythm Passport family some cruel tasks. For example, to musically retrace their 2010s and pick only five albums among the hundreds (or thousands) they have listened, loved and/or felt particularly important considering the world music world. Click on the names below and you will meet...
To start the new year right, we’ve decided to tidy up our 2019 music listenings and recall the songs that have made us sing, dance, think, happy and love music even more… Enjoy the tunes that our stereos played in heavy rotation and a big thanks to 2019 for...
We always look for musicians who are able to move the musical focal point to new scenes and regions. That’s what FREEK is doing. The Somali-born United Arab Emirates-based MC is currently spotting a light on the rising GCC and Middle Eastern trap and drill scenes. On 21st December, he...
Preview: Marsm Presents Makkam w/ Arteria FM & MOZÃO @ The Jago (London; Saturday 7th December 2019)
Throughout the years, MARSM UK has tempted us with plenty of exciting Middle Eastern and North African scented music events. While on 7th December, the needle of their music compass and turntables will run through Afro-Latin and Afro-Brazilian grooves. They partnered up with London-based DJ collective Makkam to take over...
Every month, we bring you a collection of the best world music-related videos. That’s our way to give value to too often overlooked, rich and diverse artistic expressions. Listen with your eyes! Watch the full playlist:
Preview of the album: Track List: 1. Gyedu-Blay Ambolley – Control [from Control; Mr Bongo] 00:00 – 07:06 2. Wanubalè – Hickups [from phosphenes; Agogo Records] 07:07 – 11:05 3. Cykada – Creation [from Cykada; Astigmatic Records] 11:06 – 17:26 4. London Afrobeat Collective – Power to the Women...
![Album Review: Kefaya + Elaha Soroor – Songs of Our Mothers [Bella Union; September 2019]](http://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/kefaya-richmix-335x335.jpg)
This rare treat transitions between Middle Eastern jazz and folk, blending modern dub sounds with traditional sounds from tablas, dolaks and damburas. Each song being led by the powerful vocals of Elaha Soroor, the album is a journey through Afghanistan and beyond. Kefaya got much praise after their first album,...
Gallery: Ariano Folk Festival 2019 (Ariano Irpino, Italy; Wednesday 15th to Sunday 19th August 2019)
There are small musical miracles around if we are open to going beyond the usual festival circuit. One of them happens every August (since 1996) in Southern Italy. For four days and nights, Ariano Folk Festival enlightens the Campanian town of Ariano Irpino and brings music from all over the world...
Preview: Alsarah and the Nubatones / Juliana Yazbeck @ ULU Live London (London: Friday 25th October)
On 25th October, MARSM UK will present a night of elegant vibes and honeyed grooves. After all, that’s what happens when you programme a line-up with two acts playing quality Middle Eastern and North African influenced notes. Alsarah & the Nubatones and Juliana Yazbeck’s music is easy to dance to but...