CityLife

Why music fans flock to the Nile

CHORLTON FAVS: The Nile Band

WITH belly dancers up front and talented musicians from the four corners of the world, the waters running through The Nile Band have a truly international flavour.

It’s little wonder then that the group is attracting quite a following, with a regular second and final Sunday of the month slot at Chorlton’s Iguana bar, as well as corporate events and charity performances.

Based in Manchester and founded in 1999, The Nile Band’s stock in trade is performing live Arabic music and songs.

Adding to the mix, their repertoire includes songs in Turkish, French, Spanish and English.

There are eight members at the core of the band, playing an array of instruments, and four singers. Keyboard player Hasan Bulut comes from Lebanon; Nasser Althefferi, on the oud and singing, originates from the Gulf while singer Michael Hana comes from Iraq.

Yet another member is Egyptian Mouhad Sadk, who sings with the group, while Britain’s contributions to the band are singer Danielle Roper, flautist Helen Shaw and her brother, Michael, who plays saxophone.

The group’s bass player, also called Michael Cretu, comes from Romania, while singer and tabla player Mohammed Sadk hails from Egypt, singer Beyrem Tounsi from Tunisia, and qanun player Mostaffa from Egypt.

“It’s amazing the way that music can bring so many people together,” says Danielle Roper, 34, a teacher of English to foreign students, and one of the latest recruits.

“I got involved first as a fan,” she adds. “I’d been going to see The Nile Band and there was one song, Aicha, which I thought I’d like to sing. I practised at home and then asked whether I could perform.”

Repertoire

As for the appeal of the band’s international repertoire, Danielle adds: “It sounds a little clichéd, but I find the music very emotional.

“It’s the way the voices waiver... I love the sound and the words.”

As the aforementioned roll call reveals, The Nile Band use traditional instruments such as the qanun (Egyptian harp), oud, violin and hand-held percussion, the tabla, daff (frame drum) raq (tambourine), alongside modern keyboards, flute and saxophone.

“This fusion creates a sound that appeals to British and Arabic audiences, old and young alike, and an international audience,” Danielle adds.

Shab Khaled

Their influences are equally varied, including traditional and folk music, while and famous Middle Eastern composers and singers.

Most songs are cover versions but the band also improvise, working alongside guest musicians from Manchester, including the Iguana bar’s bazouki playing owner Pascal.

Indeed, they are thought to be the only Arabic band in Britain to perform live ‘structured’ Arabic music.

“Our audiences are really varied,” Danielle adds. “From modern pop to traditional folk and classical, people find it impossible not to dance or clap along! Alternatively, some choose to simply sit back and soak up some spiritual Sufi music.”

THE Nile Band perform on the second and final Sunday of the month at Iguana Bar, Chorlton, and are also available for private parties and corporate events.