Al-Yaman

The Prague band Al-Yaman, inspired by popular and traditional songs from Yemen and the Arabic world, is a fusion of acoustic instruments and electronic beats—a new progressive dance music. Singer Ashwaq Abdulla Kulaib brings a strong Arabic influence into the music. In 1990 she came from Aden, in Yemen, to study in Prague and stayed. Her singing is an emotional expression of traditional spiritual songs or her own experiences of life.

Ales Hyvnar, the composer, has worked with various bands since 1986. He met Ashwaq in 2000 and took the opportunity to form a project of oriental music, using modern technologies and traditional instruments.

A short time later he met Israeli drummer Jonathan Omer, who came to Prague in 1999 and decided to stay and cooperate with various bands and artists. Well-respected musicians such as bassist Jan Hais, Darbuka player Bashar Ashhab (Palestine) and Tomas Reindl (tabla and oriental percussion player) are an important part of the band experience.

Al-Yaman comes with a diverse and extensive attitude of multicultural creativity and direct message of unity. —Courtesy Calabash Music