The Rhythm Of Culture

In this fluid confluence of lecture and performance, Karim Nagi leads a tour into the soul of traditional Arab music, revealing what rhythm & melody teaches us about culture. Nagi demonstrates his tradition’s musical systems and percussive traditions, discussing aspects of form, ornamentation and improvisation. He performs on multiple percussive instruments from Egypt, Syria, Morocco and the Arabian Peninsula, along with a 7-string version of the Buzuq lute. This educational performance for musicians & general audience offers information to help hear past political bias & fantasy caricature, in order to absorb the genuine Arab culture that is embodied within its music. 

Karim Nagi is a 2-time beneficiary of the Doris Duke Building Bridges grant for Muslim artists, a Kennedy Center TAC Teaching Artist, a TEDx Speaker, board member of Chamber Music America, and a recording artist with 14 albums. He is visiting Phoenix in conjunction with his two performances at the MIM Musical Instrument Museum. 

Sponsored by:

The School of Social Transformation

School of Music, Dance, and Theater

Center of Muslim Experience in the United States