In the bustling atmosphere of London’s Jazz Cafe, anticipation builds as crowds gather for Habibi Funk’s first live music show. The German record label, founded by Jannis Stürtz in 2015, has played a pivotal role in the surging global popularity of Arabic music. With diverse audience members and an eclectic range of artists, Habibi Funk offers a bridge between cultures, showcasing the timeless beauty and rich history of Arab music.
A Growing Interest in Arabic Music:
Recent years have witnessed a surge of global interest in Arabic music, spurred by platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Arab talents such as Saint Levant, Issam Alnajjar, and Wegz have reached millions of people worldwide. Events like Beirut Groove Collective and Laylit sell out in major cities like London and New York. Recognizing this trend, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry launched the first-ever regional MENA music chart in November.
Habibi Funk: Championing Arabic Music:
Habibi Funk, among a handful of Western labels, stands at the forefront of propelling Arabic music’s global popularity. Through its reissues of rare Arabic records from the 1960s to 1980s, the label introduced listeners to hidden gems, uncovering forgotten masterpieces. Habibi Funk has expanded its reach with live parties and festival performances, attracting diverse audiences that extend beyond Arab diaspora communities.
A Varied Audience:
One of the unique aspects of Habibi Funk is its ability to captivate a diverse audience. The label’s eclectic selection draws music enthusiasts from different backgrounds and cultures. Ellen Gilsenan-McMahon, an attendee at Habibi Funk’s live show, attests to the label’s broad appeal, having discovered their music through Turkish tracks played at a festival in France.
Marzipan and Collaborations:
Lebanese musician Charif Megarbane became an integral part of the Habibi Funk family with the release of his album, Marzipan. The album showcases Megarbane’s multi-instrumental talent and presents a contemporary take on Arabic music. Habibi Funk’s collaboration with Megarbane signifies the label’s commitment to nurturing emerging artists and encouraging innovative expressions within the genre.
Jannis Stürtz’s Journey:
Jannis Stürtz, the founder of Habibi Funk, stumbled upon Arabic music by chance during his time as a tour manager in Morocco. Intrigued by the local music culture, he set out on a mission to rediscover and share Arab artists’ works. Habibi Funk, with its 26 releases to date, reveals the unique cultural exchange that music represents.
Responsible Exchange:
As an outsider embracing Arabic music, Stürtz is mindful of his role and the potential for cultural appropriation. At Habibi Funk, he ensures fair treatment of artists, with profits split equally between the label and the artists or their authorized representatives. Stürtz’s commitment to ethical practices demonstrates the label’s dedication to fostering a genuine and respectful exchange with Arab artists.
Beyond Music:
Habibi Funk goes beyond being a record label, actively engaging with and supporting causes in the region. The label has fundraised for humanitarian relief efforts, raising substantial amounts to aid victims of the Beirut port explosion and Libyan floods. This demonstrates the label’s commitment to giving back to the communities that inspire its music.
A Two-Way Cultural Exchange:
Habibi Funk showcases Arab artists who exemplify the two-way cultural exchange between East and West. Musicians like Saif Abu Bakr, who played alongside James Brown in Kuwait, and Rogér Fakhr, influenced by both Western and Arabic music, demonstrate how these influences have shaped their artistic journeys. The label celebrates these interactions, emphasizing that music transcends borders and genres.
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Present:
Habibi Funk’s mission is to preserve and revitalize the best of Arab music, releasing it into today’s world. By embracing artists who masterfully blend influences from different cultures, the label creates a vibrant tapestry of sounds that resonates with audiences globally. Habibi Funk paves the way for continued exploration, celebration, and appreciation of Arabic music on an international scale.
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