Oxfam Arabia

Oxfam Arabia presents a cross-section of music from the region, including a variety of regional folk styles, raï, gnawa, wedding songs and Arab classical music.

The Arab world spans nearly twenty nations and a quarter of a billion people, and there are hundreds of folk styles that can be found between North Africa and the Persian Gulf. Throughout this immense region, a host of ancient instruments and, of course, a common language unites an Arabic music that has been evolving for centuries.

The collision of traditional Arabic instruments with modern global trends produces music that is at once lively and haunting.

This album is produced in association with the major international development agency, Oxfam, who work with others to overcome poverty and suffering. A royalty supports OXFAM's community development and campaigning work.

"Amongst an exalted cast there really isn't anyone letting the side down ­ each piece is a classic performance. This is possibly the best compilation of contemporary Arab music currently in the shops and it's raising awareness for the work of an extremely worthy charity." Songlines

"A scrupulously comprehensive geographical survey of Arabic music ... It's refreshing to engage with Middle Eastern culture in an atmosphere of enjoyment instead of misunderstanding and fear." Fly. Global Music Culture

Artists include: Ali Hassan Kuban, Natacha Atlas & Transglobal Underground, Rabih Abou Khalil, Naseer Shamma, Mahmoud Fadl & Salwa Abou Greisha, Simon Shaheen & Qantara, El-Funoun, MoMo, Abdou, Dahmane El Harrachi, and Abdel Gadir Salim.

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