Rahim AlHaj is a master of the oud, a stringed instrument central to Arabic music, and a composer whose work is steeped in the rich traditions of his native Iraq and infused with a deep sense of musical exploration. Born in Baghdad, Iraq in 1968, AlHaj was a musician from a young age, studying under the renowned Munir Bashir and later graduating from the Baghdad Conservatory. His poignant compositions reflect his experiences and the heartfelt stories of people living through war and oppression, and his music often serves as an emotive commentary on the struggle for peace and the longing for reconciliation.

Exiled from Iraq due to his activism against the Saddam Hussein regime, AlHaj moved to the United States in 2000 and continued to expand his musical horizons. His discography reflects a journey of multicultural dialogue and humanitarian concerns, with albums like "Letters from Iraq: Oud and String Quintet" offering meditative reflections on the pain and resilience shared through letters from war-torn Iraq. "One Sky," one of his more recent works, further showcases his commitment to crossing cultural divides and uniting listeners under the universal language of music. Through his compositions, Rahim AlHaj not only preserves the legacy of Iraqi music but also uses it as a bridge to connect disparate cultures and foster understanding through the emotive power of the oud.

Genres

Arab Folk

Khaleeji Iraqi

Oud

Latest Release

One Sky

Rahim AlHaj

Album - 9 Tracks - Released April 27, 2018