In the spirit of Ramadan, vocalist Mustafa Hamdo and his band captivated the audience at the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Foundation on the evening of Saturday, March 15. Their performance, titled “Ramadan Whiffs”, was a mesmerising blend of religious hymns and invocations, where diverse maqams intertwined with harmonious melodies, creating a 90-minute traditional symphony brimming with spiritual beauty and heartfelt passion.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of H.E. Abdul Hamid Ahmed, Secretary General of the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, Dr. Fatima Al Sayegh, Member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, along with a large audience of enthusiasts and friends of the Foundation.
The evening’s repertoire spanned various musical maqams that resonated with the spirituality of the holy month. Vocalist Mustafa Hamdo delivered a spellbinding performance of traditional tawashih in a breathtaking voice that soared through the Al Owais Theatre touching the hearts of the audience. His melodies carried them into a realm of enchantment, evoking cherished memories and deep nostalgia for days filled with warmth, kindness, and timeless beauty.
Throughout the evening, the band performed a rich selection of musical pieces based on the maqams of Hijaz, Rast, Ajam, Bayat, Nahawand, and Sikah, weaving together a mesmerizing tapestry of traditional melodies.
The ensemble featured a group of accomplished musicians, including Mohammed Al Jarsha on qanun, Noureddine Kahil on rhythm, Shakib Mahfouz on oud, Moamen Kahil on rhythm, and Adib Sheikh on violin. The chorus was composed of Nabil Masri, Basil Al Kurdi, Fadi Al Shoum, Aqeel Hamidi and Ibrahim Farrouj.
Adding to the spiritual ambiance of the night, Firas Bedaiwi and Mohsen Ali presented a captivating Mevlevi dance performance, embodying the essence of devotion and mysticism through their graceful, whirling movements.
Mustafa Hamdo is one of the most distinguished voices in the world of chanting, renowned for his captivating performances and deep musical expertise. As a certified composer, producer, and music trainer, he has made significant contributions to the field, earning first place in the annual music competition (Munshid Al Sharjah) in 2014. Over the years, he has performed in numerous concerts both within and beyond the UAE, building a strong presence among enthusiasts of traditional vocal artistry.
As the evening drew to a close, Abdul Hamid Ahmed expressed his gratitude to the band, commending their exceptional performance. He wished them continued success in preserving the rich artistic heritage of authentic Arab culture.
The evening aligned with the Al Owais Cultural Foundation’s commitment to engaging diverse segments of society by offering refined cultural content that caters to various tastes while emphasising the importance of preserving the emotional and artistic heritage of Arab and Islamic culture.
