Name: Oghneya
Brand: Ferkat Al Ard

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

HABIBI0191

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Colour

Black

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

2022-07-22

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Kudos

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

673790036773

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Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

HABIBI0192

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673790036780

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "673790036780"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Ferkat Al Ard

Genre GB

Rest of World

Label GB

Habibi Funk

Ferkat Al Ard was a Lebanese band that emerged in the mid 1970s. The band consisted of Issam Hajali on vocals and guitar, Elie Saba on bouzouki and oud, and Toufic Farroukh on saxophone and flute. Their songs on Oghniya were primarily arranged by Ziad Rahbani.
With their unique blend of instruments and talented members, Ferkat Al Ard created a distinct sound that captivated audiences. Their music showcased the rich cultural heritage of Lebanon while incorporating modern elements.
Whether it was through Hajali's soulful vocals or Saba's mastery of traditional stringed instruments, Ferkat Al Ard delivered powerful performances that resonated with listeners. The addition of Farroukh's saxophone and flute added depth to their compositions.

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.

Back In Stock

An absolutely legendary album from Lebanon by Issam Hajali's group Ferkat Al Ard, Oghneya stands out as one of the great musical gems of the Arab world. A groundbreaking release from 1978 that represents the meeting point of Arab, jazz, folk and Brazilian styles with the talent of Ziad Rahbani, who did the album's arrangements. Filled with a variety of sounds and genres, from baroque pop to psych-folk to flashes of bossa nova, tropicalia and MPB, Oghneya is like if Arthur Verocai took a trip to Beirut in the 70's to record an album.

In 2015 we heard Ferkat Al Ard's music for the first time, a Lebanese trio compromised of Issam Hajali, Toufic Farroukh and Elia Saba. It was a stunningly unique release that blends traditional Arabic elements, jazz and Brazilian rhythms hand in hand with poetic-yet-politically engaged lyrics. The band was active in the left-wing movement of Lebanon of the time and they communicated their political ideas candidly through their songwriting. In our mind the idea was to see whether Issam was interested in re-releasing Oghneya. He was not opposed to it, but also made it clear that it was not his priority for a first project. He suggested we start with his first album, before Ferkat Al Ard was formed, Mouasalat Ila Jacad El Ard, which was recorded in 1977 in Paris together with his friend Roger Fakhr (whose work we have been privileged to re-release in the meantime as well.) Mouasalat Ila Jacad El Ard is melancholic, stripped-down, guitar-based folk intertwined with jazz-fused breaks, and the unique sound of the santour glistens through. While the music is very accessible, some song structures are rather atypical, neglecting common patterns of verse, hook, verse, hook. The lyrics mostly trace back to the poetic work of Palestinian author Samih El Kasem, with one song also written by Issam, who composed the music for the whole album.

Oghneya

Music GB

Buy Ferkat Al Ard - Oghneya (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.