Alsarah and the Nubatones

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“What is home? What does it sound like?” Alsarah and the Nubatones wrestle with these questions in their recent sophomore album, Manara. Alsarah, a Sudanese-born singer residing in Brooklyn, creates a unique East-African retro-pop sound by mixing African influences, blues, folk, and pop dance grooves. Through their music Alsarah and the Nubatones search for a balance between urban culture, modernity, and traditional memories. Manara acknowledges the myriad of emotions leaving home creates: from “Salam Nubia,” a celebration of reuniting with loved ones; to “Alforag,” an exploration of what happens when someone becomes numb to the longing and nostalgia for home; to “Nar,” a march for freedom style protest song. Alsarah explains: “Sometimes we leave home willingly, sometimes we are forced out, sometimes we plan to go back, and sometimes we don’t know if we will ever see our loved ones again. But one thing we always know is that we don’t want to forget, or be forgotten.”

Alsarah & the Nubatones were born out of many dinner conversations between Alsarah and Rami el Aasser about Nubian ‘Songs of Return’, modern migration patterns and the cultural exchanges between Sudan and Egypt. A common love for the richness of pentatonic sounds, and shared migration experiences, expanded the conversation to include Armenian/American oud player Haig Manoukian and French born Togo raised bass player Mawuena Kodjovi. Under the leadership of Alsarah, the Brooklyn based group’s sound grew into what they have dubbed as ‘East African retro-pop’.

In March of 2014 the group released their debut album Silt to international acclaim and great reviews. October of the same year saw the release of Silt Remixed featuring remixes by Bodhisattva, Nickodemus, Captain Planet, Chancha Via Circuito, and many others. It also went on to be selected by the prestigious Fact magazine as one of the best remix albums of 2014.

Unfortunately that year also marked the passing of founding member Haig Manoukian from this world into the next. Taking his place is the brilliant oudist, and former student of Hiag, Brandon Terzic. In addition they have also grown to include the charismatic and talented vocalist Nahid as a full time member of the band.

Since their first show in October of 2011, the group has performed nationally and internationally at many prestigious festivals and venues. With audiences varying in age and ethnicity, The Nubatones has proven over and over that soul crosses all cultural and linguistic barriers.

The Rogue Folk Club is pleased to provide great Sponsorship Opportunities for all our shows. For a nominal cost, individuals or businesses can sponsor any of our shows and reap a number of benefits - free tickets, reserved table, recognition on literature, our web site and at the concerts. Find out more here, or simply contact our Sponsorship Director Morris Biddle at mobiddley@me.com