Ishaq Al Harthi & Farid Osman

Ishaq Al Harthi & Farid Osman- AL MOHTAJES from Soundcloud: darrensangita

Sangita Sounds were recently fortunate enough to be invited to the Sultanate of Oman to sample local music and arts and meet local folk and classical musicians from the region.  During the visit, the Sultanate of Oman was going through some of the biggest celebrations the nation had ever seen as it was the 40th National day of  Sultan Qaboos’ reign.

From the world renowned Royal Omani Symphony Orchestra (ROSO) to the National Bands that preside over the major music scenes to the local folk and tribal musicians we were fortunate enough to meet, the musical landscape in Oman is rich and varied.

It was a blessing to meet the local musicians and hear something of their music directly.  It has long been a dream to spend time connecting with Arabic / Middle Eastern / Gulf musicians.  Although the local folk & traditional music scene is not so well developed in the commercial realm, it seems strong in the  more traditional line of family functions and weddings.

With our connections we were able to meet the rather splendid team of local musicians of Muscat, Ishaq al Harthi and Farid Osman playing Oud and Darbouka.  Meeting them was such a pleasure and they were kind enough to share several local tunes with us as well as some other Arabic tunes.  Several neighbours came around to see what was going on and it became a proper Sangita Session!  An track from the session can be heard here with more tracks coming online soon.

Bait Muzna

The Bait Muzna Gallery in Muscat is one of the select Galleries displaying Arabic art, both contemporary and more traditional fine art.  A superb space, an original old style townhouse with masses of natural light flooding in.  The Gallery recently celebrated 10 years of breaking new artists and promoting Arabic art and I can see why it is so successful.  Dynamic art and photography resonate in excellent quality.  The Galleries owner, Susan Al Said, was kind enough to share fascinating insights on the Arabic art scene.  The current exhibition was centered around the photography of Sayyid Tarik bin Shabib Al Said entitled “The Journey”.  An incredible collection of stunning large format prints from his travels around the world.

A local initiative to paint a whole herd of Plastercast Oryx’s (An Arabian type of Deer) was in preparation with artists from all over the region being invited to paint one.  I popped into a local fine arts centre to see some of the work coming on.  A sheer riot of colour and energy was exuding form the artists works, reflecting the dynamic energy of the the Middle East.  It was great to witness some of the character of the local arts scene.

We look forward to deepening our connection with Oman, hoping to meet more local, folk and traditional musicians and artists in future.

With thanks to Bait Muzna Gallery for their gracious support in our musical endeavours.

Afghan Star is a new documentary film which shares insights into the politix of  new and popular music in Afganistan.  An important film in that it highlights, painfully at times the harsh reality of life on our precious planet.  Music is dear to us here at Sangita Sounds and we see music as the only way for Harmony to unite the people of our Earth.  This award winning documentary shares views of this beautiful rich Culture and the music of it’s people.  The paradoxical elements that co-exist in this documentary of apparent western imperialism and traditional religious elements make for compelling viewing.

As one young up and coming Afghani man in media and TV production says, “I want to move people from the Gun to Music.  I want that Dark thinking made Brighter”.

After 30 years of war and Taliban rule, pop culture has returned to Afghanistan.  Millions are watching Afghan Star – a Pop Idol-style TV series in which people from across the country compete for a cash prize and record deal. 2000 people audition, including three brave women. The viewers vote for their favorite singers by mobile phone and for many this is their first encounter with democracy. This timely and inspired film follows the moving stories of four young contestants looking for a new life. But their journeys take a terrifying turn as one young woman dances on stage, threatening her own safety and the future of the show itself. In Afghanistan you risk your life to sing.

Official Website   :   http://www.afghanstardocumentary.com

Watch the entire Documentary on 4oD   :   Afghan Star (warning : you will have to wade through Channel 4′s bloated ads to get to the actual film)

Read more