SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

The Baladi Legacy of Sheik Taha

Guy Shalom & the Baladi Blues Ensemble

Baladi is the ‘people’s music’ of Egypt. It emerged under a unique set of political and social circumstances as the music of a nation torn between integration and separation, evolution and stagnation. Following the recent political upheaval in the region, these themes are as captivating and socially relevant today as they were 50 years ago during the ‘golden age’ of Baladi.
Sheik Taha is a living legend of Egyptian music and considered the ‘founding father’ of modern Baladi. This week he celebrates his 76th birthday - that’s over 60 years of playing the quarter tone accordion! For this concert he is joined by internationally renowned percussionist Guy Schalom and riq-specialist Adam Warne.