Dubarabi

Dubarabi – East West Electronic

Live Musicians, One Journey: Bridging Cultures Through Music

Dubarabi brings together five musicians, each with diverse cultural and musical backgrounds, united by their personal odyssey between old and new homelands. This journey has shaped the musical evolution of George Azar (oud, vocals) and Shadi Al Housh (darabuka, duff riq), both originally from Syria and now based in Germany. It also influences the music of Bland Mahdi (duduk, kemence, oud, guitar), who hails from Northern Iraq and currently resides in London, and Moreno Visini, also known as Spy (electronic music, oud, saz, cifteli, sitar, guitar), who was born in Cairo and now splits his time between Italy and New York. Rounding out the group is Maren Lueg (Arabic and Turkish ney flute, flute, saxophone), who is originally from Hagen, Germany, and has long made her home in the UK.

The Dubarabi project aims to fuse the centuries-old tradition of tarab with Western electronic music. The central focus is to preserve the essence of tarab, known for its profound emotional depth and expressive power, while blending it with electronic music to offer Western audiences a gateway to this ancient musical tradition. The project seeks to inspire and engage listeners through a unique cultural exchange.

This musical encounter will be built on improvisations (taqasim) of the maqams Higaz and Nahawand, which serve as ideal bridges to the Western world due to their resemblance to the harmonic minor scale. The electronic elements will act as a frame around the traditional musical artwork, enhancing rather than overpowering its beauty.

Moreno, also known as Spy from Cairo, plays a pivotal role in this dialogue. With 20 years of experience in respectfully merging electronic elements and beats with ethnic music, his expertise in Arabic music and mastery of its instruments add depth to the project.

Traditional rhythms and melodies from the Orient are woven together with electronic music, reflecting the musical diversity and boundless creativity of the 21st century.

The Dubarabi project will take place from 8th to 16th June 2018, culminating in a series of workshop concerts where the results of this collaborative musical exploration can be experienced.

Line-up:

• George Azar (Syria)– Vocals, Oud
• Shadi Al Housh (Syria)– Darabuka, Duff Riq
• Bland Mahdi (Northern Iraq)– Duduk, Kemence, Oud, Guitar
• Maren Lueg (Germany)– Arabic and Turkish Ney Flute, Flute, Saxophone
• Moreno Visini/Spy (Italy – New York)– Electronic Music, Oud, Saz, Cifteli, Sitar, Guitar

Funded by the NRW KULTURsekretariat and the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

ughout the Middle East. He spent many years as an orchestral musician in Cairo and collaborated regularly with ensembles in Tunisia and Morocco. In Germany, Usaid quickly established himself as a prominent performer, giving regular concerts across North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin with various groups, including the Husam Al-Ali Ensemble, Ensemble Nagham, East West Pacem Orchestra, and NRWedding Orchestra.

• Rimonda Naanaa: Kanun
• Maren Lueg: Arabic Nay Flute, Flute, and Soprano Saxophone
• Usaid Aldrobi: Darabuka, Duff, and Riq

Recordings & compositions by Rimonda Naanaa & Maren Lueg