Womad: Ghada Shbeir
With a passion for classical Arabic music since she was a child, Ghada Shbeir, of Lebanon, has devoted her life to exploring and adapting ancient texts and inspirational poetry through her beguiling vocals. Her repertoire moves between Middle Eastern folk, Arabo-Andalusian songs and Syriac ancient Maronite chants.
Womad is such a diverse lineup of talent from all over the world, can you please describe your music for people who may not have heard of you? I am an artist who performs oriental chants accompanied by acoustic instruments that interpret the type of music I perform; Moushahat, improvisations, poems, Takasim. The type of music that I perform is divided into two parts; modern music affected by traditional rhythms and traditional, folkloric music.
How long have you been a musician for and how did you start? I started around 25 years ago. It all started as a talent and them I studied music and now I hold a PHD in musicology. My aim was to become a specialised performer.
From where do you draw your inspiration? I get my inspiration from Arabic Maqams and Syriac rhythms.
What’s been the highlight of your career thus far? Holding a PHD in musicology in addition to the great number of concerts I have performed all over the world.
Can you please tell us something about your home country that we may not know? My country is opened to all cultures. It is also a touristic country. Its citizens love life and they are ambitious a lot.
What are you most looking forward to about Womad? I look forward to meeting new artists and musicians and getting to know more about their music.
Have you been to Womad before? If so, what were your thoughts? Yes, sure. I was impressed by the people (audience). They didn’t care much for the rainy weather. They came under the rain to assist and they seemed welcoming to all types of music. They were in hundreds and they were really inspiring.
What music are you listening to at the moment? I have been downloading and listening to Karem Mahmoud’s songs lately.
Why is it important for the people of the world to hear different styles of music? It’s a culture, and through music we can accept others and even become closer to them.
Do you have any projects you are working on at the moment? If so, what are they about? Iam working on implementing new projects on the educational and academic level.