Palestinian oud virtuoso Nizar Rohana has released a solo performance video for ‘Yasamin’, a new single from his upcoming album ‘Safa’, which is scheduled for release on November 15th.
Filmed in a tranquil outdoor setting, Rohana’s performance of ‘Yasamin’ highlights a lyrical and melodic approach, a departure from his usual intricate, prelude-like style. “Yasamin, or jasmine, symbolizes purity across many cultures," Rohana shares, emphasizing a more expressive and melodic sound.
Filmmaker Michel Gasco, who directed the video, sees Rohana's music as deeply familiar: "The sound of his oud is as familiar to me as the paths I walk every day... that tree would be the perfect companion for Nizar while playing this piece."
‘Safa’, Rohana’s third album, is his first focused solely on solo oud performances and reflects his journey with the instrument, building on earlier works like ‘Sard’ (2008) and ‘Furat’ (2016). Supported by the Netherlands Ud Festival, the album was produced by Fieke van den Hurk and mixed by Bishara Khell, adding a polished, intimate touch to Rohana’s evolving sound.
