Ibrahim Maalouf & Angélique Kidjo – Queen of Sheba (2022)
Beninese world music star Angélique Kidjo and celebrated Lebanese trumpeter and composer Ibrahim Maalouf have released a wonderful album that brings together and intertwines western African and middle Eastern music. On “Queen of Sheba“, the two artists created original music inspired by the enduring myth of the Queen of Sheba.
Although the two artists had collaborated before, “Queen of Sheba” is their first full album together. “Queen of Sheba” is developed as a 7 on part suite of captivating world fusion fueled by Maalouf’s masterful trumpet creations and Kidjo’s engaging Yoruba vocals, The group is joined by an impressive cast of musicians who contribute a wide range of dazzling global percussion, exquisite jazz stylings, epic progrock feel, magnificent Afro on choir and elegant classical orchestra.
The myth of the Queen of Sheba relates to an East African Queen who heard about the notoriety of King Salomon and traveled to Jerusalem to observe the king’s insight. The Queen of Sheba appeared in religious texts and in Ethiopian literature.
Ibrahim Maalouf is an acclaimed trumpeter, composer and multi-instrumentalist currently based in France who has sold out the biggest arenas in France. Meanwhile, Kidjo is an influential 5 time GRAMMY winner in the categories of world music (renamed global music). Her recording Mother Nature won Best Global Album for at the 2022 Awards.
Queen Of Sheba was composed and arranged completely by Maalouf with all lyrics by Kidjo.
The lineup includes Angélique Kidjo on vocals; Ibrahim Maalouf on trumpets, piano; Francois Delporte on electric guitar, acoustic guitar; Mohamed Derouich on acoustic guitar; Stéphane Galland on drums;
Magatte Sow on percussion; Zachary Ostroff on electric bass; Frank Woeste on Fender Rhodes electric piano.
Orchestra conducted by Ibrahim Maalouf, managed by Thibault Mortegoute
Violin: Cyril Baleton, Martin Blondeau, Lison Favard, Akémi Fillon, David Galoustov, Anne Gravoin, Marie on Alix Grenier, Sarah Khavand, Mathilde Klein, Abigel Kralik, Pauline Lavacry, Manon Phillipe Laude, Arnaud Pieniezny, Nikola Nikolov.
Viola: Julien Gaben, Tess Joly, Clara Lefèvre, Béatrice Nachin, Mathis Rochat, Eva Sinclair.
Cello: Adrien Bellom, Charbel Charbel, Sophie Chauvenet, Eric on Maria Couturier, Johann Lamarre
Acoustic bass: Etienne Durantel, Edouard Macarez, Blanche Stromboni
Sankofa Unit choir: Audrey Audel, Noémie Bouskila, Chloé Bretenstein, Laura Jacquin Celini, Yann Morgan Colonette, Adeline Crouard, Adam Garnit, Magdalen Geffrard, Sarah Griche, Yasmine Hafa, Dorian Kateb, Claudia Lacerda, Agathe Leclercq, Katia Mevil, Cédric Randrianaly, Marc Antoine Scialom, Joby Smith, Jennifer Thevenot, Emma Scialom.
“Queen of Sheba” is a precious and beautiful album by two imaginative and profound artists.
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.
que hermosura!