The work of oud master and musical polymath Mohamed Abozekry resonates in time and of place, as he excavates and renews the deep frame of Egyptian classicism. With a new sextet featuring musicians working across and around two continents he continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be contemporary. 'Roh El Fouad' (The Heart’s Soul), Abozekry’s fifth album, released in 2024, fuses oud, bass, drums, keyboard, percussion, saxophone, and vocals to form the latest chapter in Abozekry’s improvisational exploration of Egyptian music without a predetermined template.

“With brilliant, inventive virtuosity that goes far beyond technical mastery…in Roh El Fouad Abozekry’s compositions are interwoven with jazz, Arabic modes, and swirling ardor.” Le Monde, May 2024

Photo credit Khaled Gohar