Land of Kush is an experimental musical collective spearheaded by Montreal-based composer and musician Sam Shalabi. Known for its vibrant fusion of free jazz, Middle Eastern music, and electronic experimentation, the ensemble can swell to a grandiose scale, featuring a diverse and rotating lineup of musicians that often includes strings, horns, electronics, and vocalists. The project draws its name from a historical kingdom in North Africa, and the music similarly straddles genres, cultures, and epochs to create something that is both timeless and distinctly contemporary.

With its 2019 release, "Sand Enigma," Land of Kush continued to push the boundaries of its expansive sound, further solidifying the project's reputation as an avant-garde beacon in the Canadian music scene. Preceding works like "The Big Mango" (2013), which offered a tribute to the city of Cairo infused with psychedelic and cinematic soundscapes, and "Monogamy" (2010), a complex, narrative-driven journey through a multitude of textures and moods, have cemented the collective's place in the experimental realm. "Against The Day" (2009) punctuated the group's early explorations with its sprawling compositions that melded jam sessions with structured orchestrations. Through these endeavors, Land of Kush has created a sonic universe where traditional delineations dissolve, maintaining a dedicated following and earning critical acclaim for its audacious artistry.