Saied Silbak is an internationally renowned composer and oud player whose music fuses together a range of styles providing listeners with an authentic world-crossing experience. Saied’s signature sound has seen him perform around the world at festivals and concerts in the UK, Palestine, France, Morocco and beyond. Saied is a Beit Almusica Conservatoire graduate and has received a Masters Degree in music from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. In recent years he has worked with many artists on interdisciplinary projects and has been involved in educational and community works, developing a politically and socially engaged practice. During this interview Saied was at his home in East London. Together we discussed artist intentions, musical activism and intergenerational acceptance.

Tracklist:

2112

Tawazon

Da Din

Explore Saied’s Work:

YouTube

Spotify

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Dr Georgie Pope is a harpist and music promoter working to encourage cross cultural exchange through sound and dance. She completed her PhD in ethnomusicology at King's College London and now leads musical tours and workshops in India under the auspices of her company, Sound Travels. Using her harp as a passport - she’s been able to travel around the globe exploring various sound worlds and creating exciting fusion music. Georgie also divides her time between running music events and courses for SOAS University; developing projects with Arab music promoter Marsm; and creating workshops and resources for schools under her organisation Global Music Academy. During this interview Georgie was on a trip with her family in Antigua. Together we discussed travel, education and musical exchange.

Tracklist:

Georgie Pope with Kayam Ali Kawa at TEDxJaipur

O Mor Banglare sung by Samantak Sinha

Explore Georgie’s Work:

Global Music Academy Website

The Magpie-Robin's Songbook

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Yahael Camara-Onono is a talented Djembe player, educator and activist. He’s performed on stages all across the world as well as facilitating djembe workshops around Europe for many years. In 2019 Yahael formed the 16 piece band, Balimaya Project - a Pan-African collective built on the foundation of forging musical and cultural ties. As well as being band leader, Yahael composes and arranges music for the group. Balimaya Project uses the repertoire and instrumentation of the Mande peoples of Senegal and Mali as a bridge to bring folkloric West African traditions and Afro Cuban music into communication with Jazz and the sounds of Black London. During this interview Yahael was visiting friends and family in Senegal. Together we discussed kinship, the West African diaspora and musical initiations.

Tracklist:

Soninka Patronba

Balimaya

City of God

Explore Balimaya Project’s Work:

Website

Mini Documentary

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