Maluf System – Eddiwen (Liburia Records, 2024)
Eddiwen is the debut album of Maluf System, composed of Tunisian musician Marzouk Mejri and Neapolitan ethnomusicologist Salvatore Morra, who joined forces in 2018 to form the duo.
The album serves as a comprehensive showcase of the Maluf repertoire, a rich and intricate traditional music genre from Tunisia. It explores deeply the genre’s resurgence within migratory contexts, while also looking at the effect of contemporary changes and consumption patterns. Eddiwen presents a diverse array of musical elements, including instrumental pieces, field recordings, and vocal tracks sung in classical Arabic and various Tunisian dialects.
Throughout the album, listeners are treated to a wide range of sounds, featuring traditional instruments such as the Tunisian oud, expertly played by Morra; the ney flute; zukra; darbuka, and other percussion instruments. The finely crafted ten tracks on Eddiwen cover various themes, from nostalgia and love to happiness, offering a nuanced exploration of Tunisian culture and tradition.
The duo draws inspiration from various sources, including Afro-Berber roots, classical forms associated with the ancient Andalusian nuba, and Sufi spirituality. However, they infuse these traditional themes with a fresh energy and contemporary perspective, forging a unique post-revival approach to Maluf music.
Musicians: Marzouk Mejri on vocals, darbuka, bendir, shqashiq, tabla, tar, nagharat, tamburello, qanun, ney, clarinet, zukra; and Salvatore Morra on Arabic oud, Tunisian oud, guitars, backing vocals.
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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.