Mesmerizing vocalist and instrumentalist Noura Mint Seymali, from Mauritania, is set perform on Sunday, May 3 at 7:30 pm in Philadelphia. Noura Mint Seymali is the daughter of two of Mauritania’s most famous musicians.
Noura began her career at age 13 as a supporting vocalist with her step-mother, the legendary Dimi Mint Abba. Trained in instrumental technique by her grandmother, Mounina, Noura mastered the ardin, a 9-string harp reserved only for women. Seymali Ould Ahmed Vall, Noura’s father, was an influential scholar and composer, who studied Arabic classical music in Iraq, devised the first system for Moorish melodic notation, adapted the national anthem, and composed many works made popular by his wife, Dimi.
Stimulated by the exploratory sound of her husband Jeiche Ould Chighaly’s emotive psychedelic guitar lines, Noura and Jeiche formed their first “fusion” band in 2004. Jeiche is a master of the tidinit (also known as ngoni and xalam in other parts of West Africa), who translates the tidinit’s intricate phrasing to a modified electric guitar with laudable effect. His distinctive sound, mirroring vocal lines and then refracting their melodies, was born out of years presiding over wedding ceremonies, directing the dance often as the sole melodic instrument. In addition to his work with Noura, Jeiche remains one of Nouakchott’s most sought after guitarists for traditional ceremonies.
The live band features Ousmane Touré on bass and Matthew Tinari on drums. The band’s first full-length album for the international market, Tzenni Was released in 2014.
Calvary Center for Culture and Community.
801 South 48th Street (at Baltimore Avenue), Philadelphia
Tickets ($10-$30)
Free children’s program at 6:00 pm
http://crossroadsconcerts.org
Author: World Music Central News Room
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