Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

HABIBI0211

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-03-24

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Kudos

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

673790037008

Total Cap

HABIBI0212

673790037015

Artist

Najib Alhoush

Genre GB

Rest of World

Label GB

Habibi Funk

Habibi Funk is a German label dedicated to showcasing the vibrant and diverse music from north Africa and the Near and Middle East. Founded by Jannis Stürtz and Malte Kraus, the label has become known for its authoritative curation of rare and obscure gems from these regions. With a focus on preserving cultural heritage while also introducing new audiences to these captivating sounds, Habibi Funk Records offers a unique musical journey that transcends borders.

As an influential force in the music industry, Habibi Funk has gained recognition for its meticulous selection of artists and albums. The label's commitment to quality is evident in their releases, which span various genres such as funk, soul, disco, jazz, and traditional folk music. By bridging the gap between past and present, Habibi Funk invites listeners to explore rich musical traditions while embracing contemporary influences.

It is important not to confuse Habibi Funk with the artist Jannis' moniker/alias [a8580660]. While both share a passion for music exploration, Habibi Funk Records stands as an independent entity focused solely on curating exceptional sounds from north Africa and the Near and Middle East. With their distinctive approach to showcasing hidden treasures, this label continues to captivate music enthusiasts worldwide.

Najib Alhoush is a talented and versatile artist known for his captivating music. With a career spanning over two decades, Najib has established himself as one of the most influential musicians in the industry. His unique blend of traditional Middle Eastern melodies with modern elements creates a truly mesmerizing sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.

From an early age, Najib showed a natural talent for music. He began playing various instruments and experimenting with different genres, honing his skills and developing his own distinctive style. His passion for creating music led him to pursue formal training in composition and performance, further enhancing his abilities.

Throughout his career, Najib has released numerous critically acclaimed albums that showcase his exceptional musicality and artistic vision. His compositions are characterized by intricate harmonies, rich textures, and emotive melodies that evoke deep emotions within listeners.

Back In Stock

Blisteringly groovy collection of completely off-the-radar songs by Libyan composer / producer Najib Alhoush's group The Free Music, circa 1976. Releasing an astonishing 10 albums, all impressively strong and equally infused by soul, funk, disco and reggae, The Free Music created a distinctly infectious groove that unfortunately didn't make an impact outside of Libya due to the complex political situation at the time. There is a reason it says "Part 1" in the title. Out via Habibi Funk March 17th.

Avid Habibi Funk listeners may be familiar with Libyan composer / producer Najib Alhoush, who's track "Ya Aen Daly" - the Bee Gee's "Stayin Alive" cover - was included in our second compilation. While the original track never excited us, Najib's version managed to strip it from its pop approach that had taken over disco during the genre's peak. At that time, disco tracks mostly were aiming to appeal to the widest audience possible. Najib had turned the original track into something different and very unique. Upon further research we found that Najib was actually the singer and founder of The Free Music band alongside Fakhreddin, Salim Jibreel, Abdulrazzak 'Kit-Kat', Mukhtar Wanis and Mohameed Al Rakibi.
Initially, we only licensed Najib Alhoush's "Ya Aen Daly" from Yousef Alhoush, Najib's son, who was pleased to hear that there was interest in his father's music form someone abroad. In the process of exchanging and learning about Najib's music and career, our understanding was that The Free Music only recorded the one album. This couldn't be further from the truth, in fact, there were ten albums produced by the group, all impressively coherent with a clear influence from disco, soul, funk and reggae.
The Free Music album was probably the longest it ever took us to gather information, photos and musical source material in a good enough quality to be reissued. This is largely due to the complicated political situation in Libya, compounded by the fact that Libya is still largely cut off from international payment systems, so getting an advance payment to the right person can be a process that takes weeks. The same goes for getting master tapes to a studio abroad and afterwards back to Libya.
When we look for music that works under the umbrella of Habibi Funk, we often come across albums where bands experimented with influences from Soul, Jazz, Funk, Disco and more, usually on a single track or two but then they often go down to a different path for the rest of the album. This was not the case for The Free Music. All their albums are fully dedicated to their unique blend of Disco, Reggae and Funk and it feels that when we made the selection for this album, we could have chosen a completely different number of tracks and the album would be been equally strong.
The lead-off single is the stupendously groovy "Ana Qalbi Ehtar" out February 3rd along with LP pre-order to capitalize on Bandcamp Friday. From the outset, the rhythmic strumming of the funkified guitars give way to the galloping drums and bass, opening up to anthemic vocals and rounding out with a blistering guitar solo, a certified disco-funk classic through-andthrough.
Second single, out February 17th is the disco slammer "Hawelt Nensa Ghalaak." Guitars, harmonized horns, synths and bouncing bass and drums collide w/ spaced out vox to make the track a dancefloor sureshot for any party.
Third single is "Mathasebnish," out March 3rd, a pure disco-funk slammer if there ever was one – with stabbing horns, funky bass riffs, a riding rhythm guitar and anthemic vocals, rounded out with stunning flute and guitar solos – the track will surely be on repeat along with the arrival of warmer weather.
Album focus track "Men Awel Marra" is another standout disco-infused tune, showcasing the immense creativity out of Najib and The Free Music. This past summer we finally had the opportunity to get together with Yousef face-to-face at a coffee shop in Istanbul's central Istiklal road together with our friend Anas El Horani. Yousef told us the whole story of how his father got into music, the start of the band and his father's continued conflicts with the Gaddafi regime that probably kept his career from becoming even bigger. As always, both vinyl and CD come with an extensive booklet featuring background on The Free Music and Najib Alhoush, including words from Najib's son, Yousef, as well as unseen photos, cassettes and more.

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Free Music (Part 1)

Music GB