Founded by Ghazi Al-Mulaifi, Boom.Diwan is a global jazz ensemble that is heavily inspired by Kuwaiti sea-faring music in addition to the African-influenced rhythms like Lewa, Tamboura, and Swahili. Improvisation and dialog are at the center of Boom.Diwan.
The name was inspired by two ideas:
The Boom: is the most important dhow in Kuwaiti culture. It was used for pearl diving and for sailing to India and Northeast Africa for Trade. It is also a metaphor for the musical exploration that Boom.Diwan engages with.
The (music) Diwan: is the place where traditional Kuwaiti pearl diving music ensembles, preserve and pass on traditional Kuwaiti music. It is also a metaphor for the collaboration between Boom.Diwan with other musicians; regardless of genre, style, or culture.
We are the Boom and the Diwan.
Calendar
Previous events
Boom.Diwan performs at Mother of the Nation Festival in Abu Dhabi
Cuban-Khaleeji Project: Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and Guests
A world premiere commissioned by The Arts Center, featuring Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra (USA, Cuba) with guests: Yazz Ahmed (Bahrain, UK), Boom.Diwan (Kuwait), Malika Zarra (Morocco, France), Emirati oudist (TBA).
Afro-Latin jazz innovator Arturo O’Farrill leads a musical exploration of the Arab, Moorish, and North African roots of Afro Latin and Afro Cuban music and the seafaring music of the Arabian Gulf, featuring the Grammy-winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, and a broad range of khaleeji special guests. Inspired by Ned Sublette’s work tracing this connection between the Arabic and the Afro Cuban music as it travels via the Strait of Gibraltar and Andalucia. The usage of microtonal variation in Middle Eastern song and similar practice in the Blues and Afro folkloric chants is created with the invited guests, as they also explore the relationship of Khaleeji and Cuban music with seafaring culture.
Boom.Diwan
Ajman University, Ajman
Boom.Diwan
The Fridge, Dubai
Boom.Diwan's Dubai debut at THE FRIDGE
Hekayah
The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Poets and musicians celebrate the UAE’s cultural diversity and explore their heritages. Celebrate the Year of Zayed & UAE National Day with a beautiful evening under the stars. Nabati and spoken word poets, musicians, and storytellers celebrate the cultural diversity of the place we call home, the UAE. As part of UAE National Day, Hekayah | The Story is free and open to all; note that online ticket registration is required.
Emirati spoken word poet and artist, Afra Atiq, hosts the evening along with 10 exceptionally talented artists whose work speaks to heritage and identity. See the artist lineup below. Bring your family and friends, relax on the majlis or seats, and enjoy an evening rich in talent and heritage.
The lineup for the 4th annual Hekayah is:
Aathma Nirmala Dious – Spoken Word Poetry – UAE Amal Ali Al Sayegh – Nabati Poetry – UAE Boom.Diwan – Khaleeji Seafaring Music meets Jazz – Kuwait Danabelle Gutierrez – Spoken Word Poetry – Philippines, Cairo, Vienna, Muscat Farah Chamma – Spoken Word Poetry – Palestine Gaar Adams – Creative Nonfiction, Literary Reportage – USA Maha Jamil – Theater, Poetry, Prose – Pakistan Omar Al Marzouqi – Minimalist Pianist – UAE Samar Abdel Jaber and Nicole Callihan – Poetry – Palestine and USA Shamma Al Bastaki – Spoken Word Poetry – UAE The lineup of performers was selected through a collaborative process curated by: Shamma al Bastaki, Bill Bragin, Zari Jafri, Dorian Paul Rogers, and Deborah Lindsay Williams.
