MBI Al Jaber Foundation Scholars attend Sahara Sounds

 Article contributed by Farouk Al-Salihi & Arwad Khalifeh

MBI Al Jaber Foundation Scholars were treated to an evening at the Sahara Sounds concert at the Bloomsbury Theatre, UCL.

The concert, a fundraising event for the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, was part of a magical night as a room of the University was transformed into an old ‘Aladdin-style’ market filled with exotic ornaments for sale, Moroccan mint tea and Lebanese food, a henna tattoo artist, belly-dancing costumes and the sound of music by the man of the hour himself: Abdullah Chhadeh.  

The night started off with people enjoying the Souk. The room was buzzing with enthusiasm as everyone ate ethnic food, drank unfamiliar red-looking tea called Karkadeh, and tried on belly-dancing costumes, hats and jewellery. The night was running smoothly and then it was time to go into the theatre for the concert to begin.  

As we sat waiting for the concert to begin, we tried to picture what Abdullah would look like; then there he was, not at all what you would expect an Arabian musician to look like! He had a long ponytail, western clothes and a ‘bold’ sense of humour! As soon as his fingers hit the strings on the Qanun, an angelic sound filled the room - it felt like magic. Abdullah was talented and professional, playing in great harmony with his band members playing the cello, tableh, violin, accordion and triangle. Each look with their eyes at one another indicated a certain beat with their instruments.

The pieces Abdullah played were not only entertaining but also insightful, as he conveyed the message of peace, love and social life through his work with songs named after Gates in Damascus, Syria. For example, one song was called Bab Sharqi (Eastern Gate), and another Bab Alsalam (Peace Gate). Other songs were named after our feelings, such as Kaif, a song that spoke about our mood, how it changes and how it makes us feel. Abdullah said that he chose music to convey the message of peace and love because it is a universal language that everyone can understand.

Not only was the concert magical, it was remarkably amusing as well as Abdullah used humour to explain each song and involve the audience in small conversation. As he played he asked the attendants to sing along with him and his band, which created a warm, cosy and fun atmosphere. We can honestly say that the concert was a big success; but you don’t have to take our word for it, the audience showed their great appreciation with a standing ovation.