Souad Abdullah: Yumma, al Hilou
Unique and rare sounds from the Middle East in a look at the creative publication’s current music issue
Full of nostalgia, handclaps (and hand drums) and a decidedly warm feeling permeating the entire track, “Habibi Taal” (off the debut album Silt) is the perfect introduction to Brooklyn-based, Sudanese-born singer Alsarah and her band the Nubatones. Named “The New Star Of Nubian Pop” by the Guardian, Alsarah is a singer, songwriter and ethnomusicologist who describes her style as “East-African retro-pop.” Whether familiar with the genre or not, listeners will no doubt pick up some positive vibes from the thoughtfully pieced-together song and album as a whole.
