Au royaume de la lyre

Ensemble Al-Tanburah: From Port Said to Zanzibar, the simsimiyya lyra induces cheerfulness adn caresses the ear. This traditional instrument which dates back to Pharaonic times, still sounds like an invitation to dancing and happiness. In ancient times, it used to entertain people on a background of songs evoking the peddling aboard teh ships which went up and down the Canal. Nowadays, it resounds in the cafes of Ismailia or Port Said, where musicians have formed such ensembles as the Al-Tanburah, one of the country's most famous. Its repertoire offeres melodic forms which fuse with the instrument. With musicians so full of life, the people on the cruise ships have a great time. The soloist come one after another without showing off, since the absolute star remains the simsimiyya. Founded in 1989, the band regularly perform to enthusiastic audiences across Egypt and have made numerous international festival appearances including Music Village (UK) Sauti za Busara (Zanzibar) Nile Festival (UK) and Festival Mundial (Holland). Their first album was released with the Paris-based Institute du Monde Arab, and they recently collaborated with World music fusion act One Giant Leap on the forthcoming film 2sides2everything.