Role

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Performer

Birth

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November 19, 1967 in Teboulba, Tunisia

 

Dhafer Youssef is a Tunisian-born composer, singer, and oud player who has gained international recognition for his unique blend of traditional Middle Eastern music and contemporary jazz. Born on November 19, 1967, in Teboulba, Tunisia, Youssef grew up in a family of modest means. His father was a muezzin, and his mother was a housewife. Despite their limited resources, Youssef's parents encouraged his interest in music from an early age. Youssef began his musical education by learning to play the oud, a traditional Middle Eastern stringed instrument, at the age of five. He was also exposed to the music of his native Tunisia, which has a rich history of traditional music that blends Arabic, Berber, and Andalusian influences. Youssef's interest in music continued to grow throughout his childhood, and he began to explore other instruments, including the guitar and the piano. In 1983, Youssef moved to Vienna, Austria, to study classical music at the Vienna Conservatory. While there, he was introduced to jazz music, which had a profound impact on his musical style. Youssef began to experiment with blending traditional Middle Eastern music with jazz, creating a unique sound that would become his signature style. After completing his studies in Vienna, Youssef moved to Paris, France, where he began to perform in jazz clubs and other venues. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented musician and composer, and his music began to attract the attention of audiences and critics alike. In 1996, Youssef released his debut album, "Musafer," which featured his unique blend of traditional Middle Eastern music and contemporary jazz. The album was a critical success and helped to establish Youssef as a rising star in the world of world music. Over the next several years, Youssef continued to release a series of critically acclaimed albums, including "Electric Sufi" (2001), "Digital Prophecy" (2003), and "Divine Shadows" (2006). His music continued to evolve, incorporating elements of electronica, rock, and other genres. In addition to his work as a musician, Youssef has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including the jazz pianist Tigran Hamasyan, the Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek, and the German trumpeter Markus Stockhausen. He has also composed music for films and television, including the soundtrack for the French film "Bab El-Oued City" (1994). Youssef's music has been recognized with a number of awards and honors over the years. In 2002, he was awarded the Victoires de la Musique award for Best World Music Album for "Electric Sufi." He has also been nominated for several other awards, including the BBC Radio 3 World Music Award and the German Jazz Award. Despite his success, Youssef remains committed to exploring new musical horizons and pushing the boundaries of traditional Middle Eastern music. He continues to tour and perform around the world, sharing his unique blend of jazz and world music with audiences everywhere.

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