This page is also available in / Cette page est également disponible en:
Francais (French)
-
Self-published4.5
Weyn Allah
Al Qahwa ensemble
Self-published, 2023
Their first album explored the traditional songs of the Middle East; the second, Egypt, and the third, South Africa. Al Qahwa’s latest addition to their discography, Weyn Allah, is a much more ambitious venture: uniting humanity through original world music.
No two songs are alike on this album. The titular Weyn Allah (Where is God) addresses social issues of inequity and racism to the tune of a qanun, saxophone and busy backing choral group singing in Arabic and English. Peace and Safety (Salma Ya Salama) incorporates French lyrics that promote acceptance, and Humanity (Bora) follows a tango—these two works provide Maryem Tollar’s hopeful response to the social concerns about which she expressed uncertainty over in Weyn Allah.
These messages are scattered between short instrumental works composed by other members of the group, providing intimate moments with numerous musical voices. Spencer’s Kitchen, for example, combines woodwinds and kitchen supplies-turned-percussion instruments, emphasizing the idea of musical accessibility: the use of pots and utensils as instruments breaks musical barriers. The message rings clear. If these songs can come together, perhaps the people that listen to them can as well.
This page is also available in / Cette page est également disponible en:
Francais (French)
