Iraqi musician Rahim AlHaj regards himself as a peace activist who accompanies his message with his oud, one of civilization's most ancient stringed instruments.
Rahim AlHaj Photo: Douglas Kent Hall
Twice Grammy nominated, Rahim AlHaj is now an American citizen. But he was born in Baghdad and was imprisoned for his activism there, under the realm of Saddam Hussein, and suffered painful and regular beatings by his jailers.
Fearing for her son's life, Rahim’s mother raised the money to obtain false identity papers and help him leave his native land. As Rahim said in an interview "There were only three people who knew I was leaving: my mother, my brother, and one of my friends. Not my father, not anyone else".
Rahim AlHaj Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
He moved to the America in 2000 as a political refugee and has resided in Albuquerque, New Mexico ever since.
Rahim AlHaj has a serious catalogue of albums to his credit and for his appearance at WOMAD 2018 he previewed tracks from his most recent album One Sky.
Rahim AlHaj Trio on the Dell Stage Photo: Supplied
AlHaj was joined by Iranian santūr player Sourena Sefati and Palestinian-American percussionist Issa Malluf, in a sonic statement of friendship, understanding and an acknowledgement of humanity’s oneness.
As Rahim says: “It doesn’t matter where you come from. You will be under one sky.”
Recorded and produced by Darryl Stack for RNZ Music
Titles: 'Friendship', 'Chant', 'Warm Voice', 'Lama Bacta', 'The Searching', 'Dasht', 'Flying Bird'
