Dhafer Youssef

Dhafer Youssef is an esteemed Tunisian oud player, vocalist, and composer, renowned for his exquisite blend of traditional Sufi music with contemporary jazz, which has positioned him as a pioneering figure in the world music scene. Born on November 19, 1967, in Teboulba, Tunisia, Youssef developed a passionate connection to the spiritual and musical heritage of his homeland from a young age. He left Tunisia for Vienna, Austria, in the 1990s, which became a turning point in his career, as he began to explore and fuse his North African musical influences with the European jazz sphere.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dhafer Youssef's discography has poignantly reflected his innovative approach to music-making and his ability to seamlessly transcend geographical and genre boundaries. His album "Malak" marked his emergence onto the international stage, which was followed by critically acclaimed projects like "Electric Sufi" and "Digital Prophecy," showcasing his virtuosity on the oud and his soaring vocal prowess. With later works such as "Birds Requiem," "Diwan of Beauty and Odd," and "Sounds of Mirrors," Youssef continued to evolve, collaborating with an array of global musicians that enriched his soundscapes with fresh dimensions and rhythms. His compositions, often spiritual and introspective, maintain a deep reverence for his roots while embracing innovative expressions, cementing his status as a musical visionary within the confluence of East and West.

Genres

Arab Folk

Arabic Jazz

Oud

Related Artists

Anouar Brahem

Ibrahim Maalouf

Rabih Abou-Khalil

Tigran Hamasyan

Nils Petter Molvær

Chet Baker

Peter Gabriel

Khaled

Loreena McKennitt

Cheb Mami

Youssou N'Dour

Toumani Diabaté

Latest Release

Soupir Eternel (Live in Carthage)

Dhafer Youssef

Single - Released December 22, 2023