Arabic poetry, West African blues and oud maestros line up for Ramadan
The UAE’s music scene takes an eclectic and evocative turn during Ramadan. With the month providing a break from DJ performances and pop concerts, the stage is set for some brilliantly diverse acts playing genres ranging from West African rock and blues to classical Arabic folk, as well as poetry readings.
Here are six performances happening during Ramadan.
Tinariwen at Cultural Palace, Sharjah
Grammy Award-winning Malian group Tinariwen are an electrifying live act.
Melding traditional Tuareg melodies from the Sahara with a visceral rock sound, they are dubbed as one of the leading purveyors of desert blues by fans and critics.
They will return to the UAE ahead of the release of their new album Amatssou.
Friday. Show starts at 10pm and tickets from Dh100 via www. sharjahart.org
Poetry night with Abdullah Qusair Al Derei and Ateeq Khalfan AlKaabi at Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
Two of the UAE’s most esteemed poets will recite verses from their own and classic Arabic poetry in what promises to be an engaging evening. Friday. Performances start at 10pm and tickets are Dh30 from www.culturalfoundation.ae
Faraj Abyad at NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre
Oud musician Faraj Abyad is set to return to the UAE.
Based on a series of love letters written between ninthcentury poets Ibn Zaydun and Wallada Bint al-Mustakfi, the American-Syrian composer will perform original songs melding Egyptian and Syrian folk styles with a Latin flair. April 5. Show starts at 9.15pm. Tickets are Dh52.50, abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net
Youssou N’Dour at Cultural Palace, Sharjah
Named by Time magazine as one of the most 100 influential people in the world in 2007, the Grammy Award winner – known for 1994 hit 7 Seconds – is set to team up with Senegalese Sufi singers for an evening of traditional and spiritual songs from West Africa.
April 6. Show starts at 11pm. Tickets from Dh100 at ticket. sharjahart.org
Naseer Shamma at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Iraqi oud maestro Naseer Shamma is set to perform in collaboration with visual artist Nja Mahdaoui, who is best known for his kaleidoscopic calligraphy works. It is organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre. April 7. Show starts at 10pm. Free entry with prior registration at www. louvreabudhabi.ae
Masrah Ramadan at MusicHall Dubai, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
MusicHall Dubai normally focuses on global sounds. However, during Ramadan, the theatre’s in-house troupe of singers will present a show steeped in regional culture. Masrah Ramadan at MusicHall Dubai runs nightly during Ramadan from 9pm to 2am; 04 447 6646