Dhafer Youssef

Dhafer Youssef is recognised as a pioneering artist who has helped bring the music of the Middle East into the global jazz scene. Dhafer Youssef’s oud playing is genre-defying, expressive and technically brilliant.

Youssef's innovative oud playing makes him a key figure in contemporary music. His performances are technically impressive and emotionally compelling, expressing feelings of melancholy, joy and mysticism. The oud's warm tones become a conduit for his intimate, personal expression.

Youssef is a master of improvisation, making every performance fresh and unpredictable, blending complex Arabic rhythms with jazz. Over his two-decade career he has perfected a unique sound that utilises spiritual, emotional, and improvisational elements influenced by Sufism. Known for his exceptional vocal range of four octaves, Youssef seamlessly transitions between chest voice, head voice and falsetto. His powerful, expressive delivery is a defining trait of his musical style.

Youssef has collaborated with jazz legends like Herbie Hancock and Marcus Miller, solidifying his status in jazz and contemporary music.

Don't miss this cross-cultural musical exploration from one of the key figures in global music.

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