Various - Zār: Songs For The Spirits DOUBLE LP
SKU: JJ02
Description:
Zar is a possession cult practised on the outskirts of the rapidly
modernising societies of North Africa and the Middle East. It's a
phenomenon that crosses not only geographical boundaries but also
those determined by the rational mind. The boundaries here are not
clearly defined; multiple worlds intertwine. Zar can't be enclosed
in a single frame or functional model. If needed it could be
perceived as a healing practice. However, the first stage of
dealing with illness is always diagnosis, which in zar is made
using music. Songs and rhythms form a bridge between the two
worlds. Every zar spirit has its own song. Consecutive rhythms
are used to establish which spirit is being dealt with, and the
initiate responds with rhythmic body movements called tafqir. The
hypnotic rhythm increases until, usually about 30 minutes in, the
dance turns into a trance in which the dancer's personality merges
completely with that of the spirit.
JuJu Sounds travelled to Egypt to experience, record and share with
you this well hidden culture. This album presents all three
varieties of zar still practised today. Hypnotic rhythms and
mesmerising melodies were recorded not only in studio but also live
during hadra - weekly zar ceremonies. Sound recordings and in depth
liner notes offer absolutely unique insight into zar
micro-communities in the Nile Delta and Cairo. Each of them is
slightly different, but they all function as self-sufficient
systems, remaining practically invisible in mainstream culture.
'Zar: Songs For The Spirits' is the second production of
independent micro-label JuJu Sounds. The project focuses on
building bridges between musicians from marginalised communities
and niche audiences from around the world. The mission of JuJu
Sounds is to revive valuable musical ecosystems, not just to sell
exotic products.
Format & package: Double LP in gatefold
cover
Record label: JuJu
Sounds
Year of release: 2021 (compilation)
Tracks:
A1 Madiha Abu Laila - Mamma Sultan
A2 Hassan Bergamon - Rakousha
A3 Hanan - Gado
A4 Abdalla Mansur - Abdalla Zar
A5 Madiha Abu Laila - Yawra Bey
B1 Hassan Bergamon - Gamal Banat
B2 Hassan Rango Rhythm - Yawra Bey
B3 Hassan Bergamon - Harbeya
B4 Madiha Abu Laila - Betel il Habash
B5 Abdalla Mansur - Gado
C1 El Hadra Abul Gheit - Gheitaniya Zār Rec 1
C2 El Hadra Abul Gheit - Gheitaniya Zār Rec 2
C3 El Hadra Abul Gheit - Gheitaniya Zār Rec 3
D1 El Hadra Abul Gheit - Gheitaniya Zār Rec 4
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0,6 Kg |
