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7 Best Arabic Oud players You Must Know

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7 Best Arabic Oud players You Must Know

Beginner oud players and seasoned performers alike may be curious about which musicians they can turn to for inspiration. The truth is, this pear-shaped instrument that resembles a lute has Arabic roots. 

 

Thus, it may be helpful to familiarize yourself with the best Arabic oud players. Below, we’re diving into the top seven people who meet these criteria, as well as their impact on the world of oud music.

 

Best Arabic Oud players You Must Know

 

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1. Farid El Atrache

 

Also spelled as “Farid al-Atrash”, this name became popular in the 20th century when the man behind it built a vast career around music. Specifically, he was a composer, singer, and master oud instrument player sometimes referred to as “King of the Oud”. 

 

He was actually born in Syria in 1910 and made a decades-long career related to oud playing. He churned out hundreds of songs in his lifetime, many of which were recorded in Egypt, where he played most often.

 

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2. Ara Dinkjian

 

This Armenian-American composer and musician is no stranger to the oud. Dinkjian is one of the performers all oud players should turn to for contemporary oud playing and compositions. His unique style combines western composing styles with the oud’s sounds. In 2002, he represented Armenia for the 12 top oud players in the world. 

 

And if you want to hear his work in a musical group setting, you should listen to the group Night Ark. This group consists of oud, piano, percussion, and other sounds.

 

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3. Naseer Shamma

 

Third, all oud players should check out Naseer Shamma for his traditional Arabic oud playing style. This Iraqi-Kurdish performer actually founded the Arabic Oud House in Cairo. Not only is he a great instrumentalist; he’s also a UNESCO Artist for Peace. 

 

Some of his popular musical works include a record called “Eastern love story”, recorded in the 1990s. He’s also well-known for “the departure of the Moon”, “for the children of Iraq”, and “Ahlam Ateqa”. 

 

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4. Munir Bashir

 

Munir Bashir is not only famous for his playing of the oud; he was also one of the greatest Middle Eastern musicians from the 20th century. Up-and-coming studiers of this instrument who are keen on improvisation should be sure to check out Bashir’s work. 

 

He was recognized for his unique playing style, including improv and the “maqam form”. His influences included various music styles, from Kurdish to Byzantine, Assyrian, Turkish, Abbasidian, and Persian.

 

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5. Mohamed el-Qasabgi

 

Mohamed el-Qasabgi was one of the most prominent Egyptian composers to come from the 20th century. He both composed music for the oud and played it excellently. 

With his well-practiced skills, he ended up mentoring many musicians who went on to be big oud players themselves. These included Farid al Atrache, Riad al Sunbati, and Mohammad Abdel Wahab. Some of his popular works include “Raq al Habeeb”, “Ya Tuyoor”, and “Ana Qalbi Daleel”. 

 

Instrumentalists who want to learn more about older Oriental styles, as well as European influences in oud music, should check out el-Qasabgi. He presented a more traditional style, stemming from his musical beginnings at a very young age.

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6. Riyad al-Sunbati

 

As previously mentioned, al-Sunbati was one of the students of Mohamed el-Qasabgi, where he learned Egyptian oud skills. al-Sunbati dominated in the 20th century, following in the footsteps of his father. 

 

Riyad al-Sunbati was known not only for his musical skills but also for his deep-rooted love of the instrument itself. At a certain point, people coined the name “the canary of Mansoura” for him. 

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Although he passed away in the 1980s, his music brought new contributions to Arabic oud music. He frequently used combinations of vocals, as well as instruments such as mandolins and accordions with the oud. This led to unique waltz-y and tango-esque rhythms, making way for new blends of sounds.

 

7. Yurdal Tokcan

 

Yurdal Tokcan is a famous Turkish oud player who is still active to this day. Tokcan played in the Istanbul State Turkish Music Ensemble in the 1990s, and he has worked as an instructor of the instrument. 

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Players who are interested in both traditional styles and modern oud advancements will be pleased by Tokcan’s style. His skills are big on melodies, as well as classical Turkish sounds. 

 

Author Bio:

Daniel Karni -The Owner of Ethnic Musical. An expert for Turkish & Arabic musical

instruments since 2008. A multi-instrumentalist, and a fan of middle eastern musical

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traditions. Plays the Oud, Saz & Ney.

 

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Napoléon by Abel Gance (1st period) opening Cannes Classics at the 77th Festival de Cannes

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Napoléon by Abel Gance (1st period) opening Cannes Classics at the 77th Festival de Cannes

A legend known to cinephiles the world over, a major work of the silent era, one of the most monumental restorations in the history of filmmaking will be unveiled on May 14 as a world premiere: Napoléon by Abel Gance (1st period), in a version resulting from a colossal, passionate effort by the Cinémathèque française, with the support of the CNC.

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Davido Inks Partnership with UnitedMasters For His Nine+ Records Venture

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Davido Inks Partnership with UnitedMasters For His Nine+ Records Venture

Making yet another major power move, three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated Nigerian global superstar and Afrobeats pioneer Davido has inked a deal with UnitedMasters for his recently launched label Nine+ Records.

In this groundbreaking collaboration, Davido will spearhead artist development, A&R, and behind-the-scenes curation, nurturing a pioneering lineup of artists across the continent under Nine+ Records. United by a shared vision, the teams will work together to introduce and foster talent, amplifying Davido’s influence and extending his reach even further. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in shaping the future of African and world music.

Together, the teams will collaborate closely in order to not only introduce, but cultivate career talent. It only expands Davido’s influence and reach.

Read Also: Davido gifts fan $50k to payoff student loans

Of today’s announcement Davido said, “I couldn’t be more proud to partner with Steve and the team at United Masters, this announcement represents an exciting new chapter for developing and established artists around the world.”

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Steve Stoute, Founder and CEO of UnitedMasters states, “Over the last 2 years, we’ve proven our commitment to Africa investing in artists, education, and technology. Today, we are doubling down. With this new venture with Davido & the launch of Nine Plus Records, we reinforce our mission in becoming a bridge for artists on the continent. Together we’ll identify & develop new artists while supporting them with brand and synch opportunities.”

Nine+ Records will be announcing more artists and partners in the future.

Last night, Davido just sold out one of the most iconic venues in the world, headlining Madison Square Garden in New York City. He ignited the stage with what will be remembered as a historic set, bringing Afrobeats to the Big Apple in the biggest way possible. In advance of the show, he extensively spoke to Billboard who praised how “Performing in New York has also become a special ritual” for him.

This news also arrives on the heels of various major company announcements for UnitedMasters. The company locked down a high-profile alliance with SymphonyOS and Groover. Plus, it hosted its annual “A Celebration of Independence” GRAMMY® Concert at the Palladium in Hollywood, CA. The show boasted an all-star lineup, including headliner Davido, Uncle Waffles, Tokischa, Donavan’s Yard, and NLE Choppa. Of the latter, The Source wrote, “This marked the first time UnitedMasters featured international acts, solidifying its impact and representation within the global independent artist movement.”

Stay tuned for a whole lot more soon

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Record Rainfall in UAE: Dubai in Chaos as Streets Flood

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Chaos swept through the United Arab Emirates as it faced the most intense rainfall in 75 years, with certain regions recording over 250 mm (approximately 10 inches) of rain within a mere 24-hour period, as per the state’s media office statement released on Wednesday, April 17. (more…)

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Ashanti & Nelly Are Engaged, Expecting First Child Together

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Nelly and Ashanti are working on a special duet! (more…)

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Baloji and Emmanuelle Béart will co-preside over the Caméra d’or Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes

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Screenshot 2024 04 17 at 18.29.58

The 77th Festival de Cannes will feature an unprecedented yet self-evident pairing at the head of the Caméra d’or Jury. As rich dialogue and inspiring gaze arise from encounters, the Festival de Cannes is eager to bring together Emmanuelle Béart and Baloji to co-preside over the Jury that will honor one of the first films presented in the Festival’s Official Selection or its parallel sections.

An unprecedented pairing since French actress Emmanuelle Béart and director and songwriter Baloji, who evolves in Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have never met. She has worked with some of the world’s greatest filmmakers, dazzling both screen and stage with her incandescent performance. He is a bold, visionary creator, who made two short films before receiving the New Voice Prize at Un Certain Regard in 2023 for his acclaimed debut feature Omen.

 

An obvious pairing as both are free spirits with no limits, who rely on their art to achieve creative freedom. Through her impressive filmography and her humanitarian commitment, Emmanuelle Béart is forever supporting a filmmaking to be shared, to emancipate, transcend borders and help us live together. Baloji, in his first feature film with impressive aesthetic mastery, delivers a chronicle that transcends otherness through the prism of magical realism.

 

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Delighted to be paired at the head of the Caméra d’or Jury, Baloji and Emmanuelle Béart will combine their voices to welcome the first features of filmmakers who look at the world with inspiration, tell us about it with emotion and invite us to discuss it with the conviction of beginnings. “Being a self-taught filmmaker and a filmmaker from the Congolese diaspora,” confides Baloji, “it’s a great honour to be able to witness the vitality of first-time directors, to discover their strong singularities and their inaugural work, which will have a lasting impact on the identity of their filmography.” Emmanuelle Béart declares: “A first film is about the impossibility of doing anything other than delving into the depths of one’s being to find out what we can’t keep quiet about. A deeply moving and terribly free birth: no one is waiting for you yet. We will honor our duty with wonder and respect.”

 

The Caméra d’or Jury has been co-chaired three times before: by actress Françoise Fabian and director Daniel Schmid in 1996, by Marthe Keller and Géraldine Chaplin in 2002, and by brothers Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne in 2006.

 

In 2023, the Caméra d’Or was awarded to Pham Thien An for Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell  by the Jury presided over by French actress Anaïs Demoustier

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25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards Returns to Miami

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The Latin Recording Academy® announced today that the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® will be held in Miami at Kaseya Center on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in partnership with Miami-Dade County and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). "Since our first awards presentation in the year 2000, the Latin GRAMMYs have provided an international spotlight for Latin music second to none and provided iconic performances that have become part of global music and pop culture history. We are thrilled to celebrate our 25th anniversary in Miami” said Manuel Abud, CEO, The Latin Recording Academy. “Miami has evolved to become the epicenter of Latin entertainment and we are grateful for the community support and enthusiasm we have received.” In celebration of the 25th anniversary of The Latin GRAMMYs the show returns to the place it calls home, where The Latin Academy’s journey commenced, and its headquarters remain. This is the third time that the Latin GRAMMYs will be held in Miami, the first time in 2003 and the second time in 2020 when the show was closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Welcome home, Latin GRAMMYs! As the cultural capital for Latinos in the United States, there’s no better place than Miami-Dade to host the best of Latin music and entertainment,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “It’s a true honor to host this incredible event once again and welcome people from all over the world to enjoy the vibrant and diverse cultural hub we call home. This event celebrates the very best in music, and we are proud to showcase Miami’s unique energy, where music and culture collide in the most spectacular way.” The three-hour telecast will be produced by TelevisaUnivision, the leading Spanish language media and content company in the world, and will air live on Univision, Galavisión and ViX, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central), preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT. "We are excited to bring to life the landmark 25-year celebration of the Latin GRAMMYs from the city we call home – the city where Hispanic culture has flourished as a driving force of influence and impact globally,” said Ignacio Meyer, President of Univision Television Networks Group at TelevisaUnivision. “As the Home of Latin Music, we're excited to deliver yet another unforgettable night of excellence in music, grounded in our passion and unwavering commitment to shining a bright light on the most culture-defining moments for Spanish-speaking audiences worldwide." In addition, Latin GRAMMY® Week events will take place throughout Miami-Dade County including Leading Ladies of Entertainment, the Best New Artist Showcase, Special Awards Presentation, Nominee Reception, Person of the Year and the Premiere Ceremony, preceding the telecast. More details on the week of events will be distributed in the coming months. “This announcement underscores Greater Miami's status as a global hub at the intersection of multicultural music, entertainment, events and tourism,” said David Whitaker, president and CEO of The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “On behalf of the travel and hospitality industry of Greater Miami, we are absolutely thrilled by the news that the 25th Latin GRAMMYs is returning home to Miami – bringing with it an influx of visitors eager to experience the excitement and energy of this iconic destination.” The Latin GRAMMY Awards® are the preeminent international honor and the only peer-selected award celebrating excellence in Latin music worldwide. Additional key dates in preparation to The Biggest Night in Latin Music® include: July 24, 2024-Aug. 5,2024: First Round of Voting Sept. 17, 2024: Nominations Announcement Sept. 27, 2024–Oct. 10, 2024: Final Round of Voting For more information regarding the current awards season visit: https://www.latingrammy.com/en/calendar-awards-department.

The Latin Recording Academy® announced today that the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® will be held in Miami at Kaseya Center on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in partnership with Miami-Dade County and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB).

“Since our first awards presentation in the year 2000, the Latin GRAMMYs have provided an international spotlight for Latin music second to none and provided iconic performances that have become part of global music and pop culture history.  We are thrilled to celebrate our 25th anniversary in Miami” said Manuel Abud, CEO, The Latin Recording Academy. “Miami has evolved to become the epicenter of Latin entertainment and we are grateful for the community support and enthusiasm we have received.”

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of The Latin GRAMMYs the show returns to the place it calls home, where The Latin Academy’s journey commenced, and its headquarters remain.  This is the third time that the Latin GRAMMYs will be held in Miami, the first time in 2003 and the second time in 2020 when the show was closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Welcome home, Latin GRAMMYs! As the cultural capital for Latinos in the United States, there’s no better place than Miami-Dade to host the best of Latin music and entertainment,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “It’s a true honor to host this incredible event once again and welcome people from all over the world to enjoy the vibrant and diverse cultural hub we call home. This event celebrates the very best in music, and we are proud to showcase Miami’s unique energy, where music and culture collide in the most spectacular way.”

The three-hour telecast will be produced by TelevisaUnivision, the leading Spanish language media and content company in the world, and will air live on Univision, Galavisión and ViX, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central), preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

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“We are excited to bring to life the landmark 25-year celebration of the Latin GRAMMYs from the city we call home – the city where Hispanic culture has flourished as a driving force of influence and impact globally,” said Ignacio Meyer, President of Univision Television Networks Group at TelevisaUnivision. “As the Home of Latin Music, we’re excited to deliver yet another unforgettable night of excellence in music, grounded in our passion and unwavering commitment to shining a bright light on the most culture-defining moments for Spanish-speaking audiences worldwide.”

In addition, Latin GRAMMY® Week events will take place throughout Miami-Dade County including Leading Ladies of Entertainment, the Best New Artist Showcase, Special Awards Presentation, Nominee Reception, Person of the Year and the Premiere Ceremony, preceding the telecast. More details on the week of events will be distributed in the coming months.

This announcement underscores Greater Miami’s status as a global hub at the intersection of multicultural music, entertainment, events and tourism,” said David Whitaker, president and CEO of The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “On behalf of the travel and hospitality industry of Greater Miami, we are absolutely thrilled by the news that the 25th Latin GRAMMYs is returning home to Miami – bringing with it an influx of visitors eager to experience the excitement and energy of this iconic destination.”

The Latin GRAMMY Awards® are the preeminent international honor and the only peer-selected award celebrating excellence in Latin music worldwide.

Additional key dates in preparation to The Biggest Night in Latin Music® include:

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  • July 24, 2024-Aug. 5,2024:  First Round of Voting

  • Sept. 17, 2024: Nominations Announcement

  • Sept. 27, 2024–Oct. 10, 2024: Final Round of Voting

For more information regarding the current awards season visit: https://www.latingrammy.com/en/calendar-awards-department.

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