An Afro-Latin Musical Voyage: From the Gulf and North Africa to Cuba and New York

Afro Latin Jazz innovator Arturo O’Farrill and Moroccan vocalist and composer Malika Zarra participate in a conversation about their musical exploration of the Arab, Moorish, and North African roots of Afro Latin and Afro Cuban music and the seafaring music of the Gulf. Their collaboration debuted at The Arts Center of NYU Abu Dhabi in February of 2019 as part of the ‘Cuban Khaleeji’ project, which also features the Grammy-winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and a broad range of khaleeji guest artists who draw from the traditions of Kuwait, UAE and Bahrain. The conversation is moderated by author and musician Ned Sublette, whose work tracing the connection between the Arabic and the Afro Cuban music as it travels via the Strait of Gibraltar and Andalucia, Spain was one of the inspirations for the project. The evening also features video excerpts of the Cuban Khaleeji show, as well as a short live performance from Arturo and Malika accompanied by members of the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble.

Speakers

• Arturo O'Farrill, Artistic Director, Afro Latin Jazz Alliance
• Malika Zarra, French/Moroccan Vocalist and Composer

Moderated by

• Ned Sublette, American Composer, Musician, Record Producer, Musicologist, and Author

In Collaboration with