Ghazi Faisal Al-Mulaifi

Assistant Professor of Music Affiliation: NYU Abu Dhabi
Education: BA SUNY-Purchase College; MA New York University; PhD New York University

Research Areas: Kuwaiti pearl-diving music; Global jazz; Music and sea trade in Indian Ocean; Aesthetics; Philosophy


Ghazi Faisal Al-Mulaifi, PhD is an applied-ethnomusicologist who received his PhD in ethnomusicology from New York University in 2016. In addition to working as an assistant professor of music, Al-Mulaifi is also a Venice Biennale artist, composer, Khaleeji-jazz musician, and ensemble leader.

His research interests include Kuwaiti pearl diving music, the music of the Indian Ocean civilizations trade routes, global-jazz, and heritage production. His current musical efforts include performing with his ensemble Boom.Diwan where he and traditional Kuwaiti pearl diving musicians merge Kuwaiti bahri (sea) rhythms with global jazz traditions for the purpose of creating a new Kuwaiti music and engaging in a global musical dialog.

Courses Taught