Lakhdar Hanou is a French-Algerian composer and ud virtuoso from Toulouse. Between 1997 and 2000, he traveled to northwestern Africa and the Middle East, where he was introduced to the ud (lute) and the art of maqam (foundation of Middle Eastern music). During this period, he collected music from master ud players and composers from the Arab world from whom he drew inspiration.
Lakhdar Hanou had notable encounters with artists such as Hâtif Abdelhamid (Cairo Opera House in Egypt); Khaled Jaranami (Damascus Conservatory in Syria); and Palestinian artists Samir Joubran and Ahmad el Khattib. These meetings enabled him to perfect his ud technique and to refocus.
Beginning in1999, Lakhdar Hanou joined various Toulouse bands and ensembles that performed Middle Eastern, Flamenco, classical or Occitan music. These were great opportunities to perform with musicians from different backgrounds.
His first band was named Kafila. Lakhdar collaborated with singers and poets, such as the vocalist Sapho. This experience reinforced his passion for literature and poetry from the Arab world.
Aware of his dual culture, Lakhdar’s original compositions reflect his identity and his spirit.
Throughout his career, Lakhdar has developed numerous projects, including interdisciplinary shows that feature dance, theater, storytelling, and literature.
The album “Ne was-ce qu’en Chine” featured a string ensemble.
In 2021, Lakhdar Hanou released “Argile”, a project started in 2018. The project centers on the myths of ancient Mesopotamia and the stories that appeared in the first clay tablets.
“Argile” features two masterful Palestinian musicians, pianist Mira Abualzulof and violinist Lamar Elias; as well as Iraqi refugee Suzanne Abdalhadi on vocals.
Discography:
Kafila
Les doigts teintés
Nassaj
Voyages et mélodies (2012)
Ne fût-ce qu’en Chine (2015)
Argile (Cricao, 2021)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.