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omar souleyman - to syria, with love - because music - vinyl

New Copy

Genre: World - Misc

1. Ya Boul Habar
2. Ya Bnayya
3. Es Samra
4. Aenta Lhabbeytak
5. Khayen
6. Mawal
7. Ya Boul Habar
8. Ya Bnayya
9. Es Samra
10. Aenta Lhabbeytak
11. Khayen
12. Mawal
13. Chobi
14. Tensana

The latest outing from Syria’s Omar Souleyman!

A popular artist on the Syrian folk-pop circuit, Omar Souleyman is a wedding singer specializing in a high-octane version of dabke, a traditional style of music performed during line dances at weddings and other celebrations. A prolific artist, Souleyman and his band have recorded over 500 cassettes - mostly live recordings made at his wedding gigs - that have become a staple of music kiosks in major Syrian cities.

In 2007, U.S. label Sublime Frequencies issued Souleyman's Western world debut, a collection culled from cassette releases entitled 'Highway to Hassake'. 'Dabke 2020' and 'Jazeera Nights' followed in 2009 and 2010. Souleyman, whose music has become increasingly sampled by international DJs - began touring in Europe and the United States to large audiences. In 2011, after the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War, he relocated to Turkey.

The follow-up to 2015’s ‘Bahdeni Nami,’ ‘To Syria, With Love’ marks Souleyman’s third full-length studio record. It’s a departure musically and lyrically from his previous material, with focus on more elaborate keyboard and techno elements. Completely setting politics aside, Souleyman consciously shares this personal ode to his native country with an emphasis on his emotional connection to the land and people but not without heartache in view of the nation’s current state.