Le Guess Who?

Farida & The Iraqi Maqam Ensemble

Curated by Jerusalem In My Heart

Farida Mohammad Ali's mastery of the ancient maqam discipline - a lifetime’s pursuit - is truly extraordinary. In execution, this traditional singing technique requires full command of complex melodies, as well as a an understanding of the embedded philosophies within them. But most of all, it's common custom in Arabic cultures for maqam singers to be male. Farida Mohammad Ali however, is well-versed in maqam al-baghdadi, a form of maqam rooted in the very beginnings of civilization, emphasizing and encouraging more free-form singing.