You can’t help but be
enveloped in the magnetic presence of Asia Madani; she
laughs easily, but looks at the world with great conviction. At times soft
spoken and quiet, others rambunctious, Asia owns the center of attention, even offstage.
Asia is a Sudanese singer, based in Cairo. Since landing in
the Egyptian metropolis around 18 years ago, she has proceeded to make her mark
on the music scene and gain a devoted following. Asia participated in The Nile
Project, representing Sudan with her thorough knowledge of traditional music
forms from all sides of her country. She toured the United States and played many other
shows abroad with them.
Asia comes from a place of deep tradition, and a society
where women play a central role in music. Her world view and music weave
together different branches of Sudanese folklore and spirituality, including
zar, aghani binaat or “girls songs,” among other deep-rooted forms. She
plays the traditional Sudanese drum, the dalouka along with the el
gara’a gourd with sticks.
Asia currently plays with her own group, and also plays with Afriqairo led by Ahmed Omar, and recently released her debut album Al Zoul. Her fans are like none other in Cairo, passionate enough to join her on stage (sometimes at the chagrin of security) or rise from seating to exhibit the undulating and hypnotic dance that is signature of Sudan.
We had tea with Asia Madani at Antique Khana, and she told us about her early life in Sudan, her connection with zar, and societal ignorance. Accompanied by her percussionist Bezra, Asia also played and sang some beautiful Sudanese folk songs.
Follow Asia Madani on Facebook and SoundCloud.
Shot on location at Antique Khana
Video and photography by @scenenoise
