Written by: Mostafa Farouk Indihasha

In this homage to Khartoum and its cultural significance, Alsarah & the Nubatones capture the spirit of a golden era with their rendition of "Inti Kulik Zina."

 

This timeless song (it’s difficult to pinpoint when it was first released because of the massive loss of archives from Sudan’s TV and Radio stations) written by Bur Mohamed Nur and Hamed Elrayeh, is a cornerstone of the Sudanese musical canon.

 

It portrays a woman's effortless grace, likened to the smooth swimming of a goose. Despite the hardships she brings him, the singer pledges his undying love, unwavering despite the poison she feeds him and the rough treatment she gives. 

 

Hamed Elrayeh (1940-2020), one of Khartoum's most legendary pop singers and an iconic symbol of its golden era, was a leader among musicians both creatively and politically. He began his career in 1956 and was instrumental in developing Khartoum's modern-day pop sound, which has become synonymous with Sudanese music. As the head of the musicians' union for many years, Elrayeh played a crucial role in establishing rules and regulations to protect creative rights for artists.

 

Taking inspiration from the visual aesthetics of classic Sudanese wedding videos of the 90s, with their maximalist approach to colors and effects, Sarah Elawad, a young up-and-coming British-Sudanese visual artist, delivered a visual treatment evocative of wedding videos of that decade. These nostalgic visuals continue to populate whatsapp groups of Sudanese families and friends worldwide to this day.

 

Alsarah & The Nubatones

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” via Wonderwheel recordings to international acclaim and great reviews, with the single Soukura (it’s late) debuting on Spin magazine’s blog. 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 Haig, Brandon Terzic. In addition the band have also grown to include the charismatic and talented vocalist Nahid as a full time member of the band now.

If Silt was the mud the band came from, then "Manara” is the house built of that clay. Born out of a creative retreat for the band in Asilah, Morocco in November of 2015, this album released in October of 2016 showcases a new intimacy in the creative process with the majority of the tracks being original compositions by Alsarah & the Nubatones.

The band explores the many emotions and themes that mark the long journey after immigration begins. "Manara” is a quest, and also a celebration of all the ways in which we shift, change, and grow as we seek to build a new life.

In an age of single track downloads, this album is made to be listened to from beginning to end, in the vein of classic albums such as "Dark Side of the Moon”, and "Musicology”. The album has been an international success, opening many new countries and audiences for the band, with several tours in three different continents (Africa, Europe, North America, Middle East…).

In september 2017, "Manara remixed” has been released, in the respect of the band’s tradition featuring remixes by some great producers like Oddisee, El Bùho, Sufyvn, and Pablo Fierro and others.

The band has also been invited in many radio and tv shows like NPR TINY DESK, KEXP LIVE, RADIO NOVA, FIP, ARTE… Since their first show in October of 2011, the group has performed nationally and internationally at many prestigious festivals and venues (Glastonbury, Roskilde, Les Nuits de Fourvière, SXSW, WOMAD, Global Fest…) .

With audiences varying in age and ethnicity, The Nubatones has proven over and over that soul crosses all cultural and linguistic barriers.

Alsarah and the Nubatones are working on their third album, which is set to be released at the end of October 2024.

https://youtu.be/rrWVf8afFls?si=VUl-a41WvXdah7J6