Tarabband

Tarabband is a Swedish-based Arabic music ensemble formed in Malmö in 2007 by singer Nadin. The group creates original compositions rooted in Arabic musical heritage and also performs traditional folk songs from the Middle East with its own style.

Background

The band is based in southern Sweden, in Malmö, a city described as a meeting place for cultures from around the world. Tarabband emerges from this setting and from Nadin’s own background. She is born in 1980 and raised in both Baghdad and Cairo, into an artistic family with roots in Egypt and Iraq. After leaving Iraq in 2002 following the Gulf War period, she settles in Sweden and forms the group as part of building a new artistic identity there.

Music and style

Tarabband is described as a six-piece ensemble made up of some of Sweden’s established folk and world musicians. Its music draws on Arabic traditions and is also influenced by North African, world and folk music. The group’s sound also brings together elements of Sufism, folk, flamenco and jazz. Its name comes from the Arabic word tarab, meaning ecstasy through music.

Work and themes

The group’s repertoire is presented as a journey from Baghdad via Cairo and Paris to Malmö. Its songs and performances focus on themes of survival, exile, life and rebirth, and the band also works across music, theatre shows and radio programmes. Nadin’s voice is a central feature of the group’s performances.