Iraki Magic
Three Iraki refugees have released a 15 track album of peaceful and uplifting music for World Refugee Day. All proceeds from the sale of their music will be used to help other Iraqi refugees.
Three Iraki musicians, Salim Salem, Abdel Mounem Ahmad and Fadi Fares Aziz, all of them refugees, have released a 15 track album [UK download page | US download link ] of enchanting Iraki music to Amazon [US | UK] and other music sharing sites such as iTunes, Napster, Amie Street, IMVU, lala, ShockHound, Rhapsody and emusic to honour today – world refugee day. The album which the trio decided should be called "Transitions" was made with the help of the UNHCR and any profits will go to help other Iraki refugees.
The three met in Damascus as refugees who had fled the bloodbath that is occupied Irak. They say they had often talked about recording Iraki music that they hoped would touch an international audience. Salim Salem’s dream of recording with Abdel Mounem and Fadi Fares Aziz became reality when the UNHCR office in Damascus agreed to help the trio as part of its campaign to Iraki artists living as refugees in Syria the chance to express themselves artistically.
The music is a beautiful fusion of classical and modern techniques, airs, and styles, and is inspired by their experience of life as refugees. Abdel Mounem Ahmad on the qanún (a kind of zither), Fadi Fares Aziz on the ney (a type of pan flute) and Salim Salem on the oud (lute), have managed to produce a collection of hauntingly beautiful elegaic melodies that soothe the soul. Baghdad was a centre for Arab music, and for me this music calls up very happy memories of sitting in some of the city’s teashops laughing with friends and marvelling at the musical dexterity and diversity on offer. The fact that every track downloaded will mean 60 US cents for the UNHCR’s lifeline programme for refugees in Syria made my enjoyment of this wonderful album by three very talented musicians all the sweeter.
The album works well as an introduction to Iraki music, a collection of soothing and refreshing melodies, and as an excuse to donate to a good cause – enjoy
markfromireland
Thanks so much for this link, Mark. I’m downloading the album as I type. Here’s to a world with more music, more peace, and more people safely and happily in their homes. Best to you and all the GG.