Barry – Mahdi – Saion – Naheddi (Etnisk Musikklubb, 2005)
In 2005, the musical group consisting of Amir Saion, Hassan Mahdi, and Adama Barry came together under the name Naheddi, meaning creativity and resourcefulness in Fulani. Their music is a blend of traditional songs and rhythms from Iraq and Burkina Faso, as well as original compositions by the musicians themselves. The group’s sound on the “Naheddi” album is a masterful fusion of Arabian, Fulani, and French influences, with each member contributing their unique instrumental skills.
Adama Barry is a renowned flutist from Burkina Faso, where he learned to play as a shepherd boy. He has won numerous awards for his musical talent and is considered one of the best flute players in his homeland. Adama is also a skilled dancer, choreographer, and flute maker, and formed his own group, Deorane, consisting of traditional Fulani musicians and dancers. He first visited Norway in 1992 and has since collaborated with several Norwegian artists, including the writer Anneke Bjørgum. In 2003, Adama joined the Naheddi project with Amir Saion.
Hassan Mahdi hails from Iraq and learned to play the oud and darbuka under the tutelage of the most skilled players in his hometown of Basra. He has played with some of the most famous musicians in Iraq and has also performed with music groups in Norway. In 2004, he joined the Naheddi project in Bergen, where he continues to play alongside Amir.
Amir Saion, also from Iraq, is a professional musician who has played the darbuka since he was 12 and the oud since the age of 15. He has participated in countless festivals in Iraq and the Middle East and has recorded with esteemed musicians. Amir is also a music tutor and has taught the oud and darbuka in Iraq, Jordan, and Norway. He joined the group Syndikaina in Bergen in 2000 and later met Adama Barry, leading to his involvement in the Naheddi project in 2003.
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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.