Caravan World Rhythms (CWR) returns to Salt Spring near the end of this month with a focus on music and dance from Andalusia, North Africa and beyond.
Seffarine was founded by vocalist Lamiae Naki and multi-instrumentalist Nat Hulskamp out of their love for each other and the culture of Andalusia, according to CWR’s Robert Benaroya.
“Seffarine’s music embraces Morocco’s cultural collision between Arabic, Iberian and West African cultures, forging vibrant original music deeply rooted in their backgrounds in flamenco guitar, oud and Arab Andalusian music,” said Benaroya. “Nat and Lamiae built an international quintet bringing in all-star musicians from Iran, the U.S. and Spain, who infuse the sound with textured instrumentation and inspired improvisation. Sweeping kamancheh (Persian spike-fiddle) ornamentation plays off gritty bass grooves and explosive flamenco footwork, with Lamiae’s fluidly riveting voice at the centre, sending up sheets of cascading Andalusian melodies punctuated by the catchy hooks of North African Chaabi. They are joined by the acclaimed, fiery flamenco dancer and percussionist Manuel Gutierrez from Spain, and Cuban bass player Yosmel Montejo.”
Seffarine takes its name from the ancient metalworking square in Fez, which is famous for the complex rhythms that ring out from the blacksmiths’ hammers, and where Naki’s family members are well known as masters of the tradition.
According to the Chicago Reader, “Seffarine’s music can melt the coldest hearts.”
The show takes place at ArtSpring on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m., with tickets available now through ArtSpring, online and at the box office.