Global Rhythms: Rahim AlHaj

About this event

Born in Baghdad, Rahim AlHaj possesses a life story as powerful as his music. He learned to play the oud at age 9, and later graduated with honors and a degree in music composition from the Institute of Music in Baghdad. He also earned a degree in Arabic literature from Mustunsiriya University in Baghdad. Active in the underground revolutionary movement, AlHaj wrote protest songs opposing Saddam Hussein’s repressive regime. He was imprisoned twice, once for a year and a half, and was regularly beaten by his captors. In 1991, AlHaj was forced to leave Iraq because of his political activism, and ultimately found a home in New Mexico. After 40 years since fleeing Iraq, he was still haunted by the carnage he had witnessed as a teenager, along with the emotions he felt when the U.S. and the U.K. aligned to combat the “axis of evil” (North Korea, Iran, and Iraq), and he set out to create an album that would be his personal statement of peace, friendship, and unity. Rahim has performed around the globe and is considered one of the finest oud players in the world. He has won many accolades and awards, including two Grammy nominations. Through his music, Rahim AlHaj makes good on his commitment to create music that bridges cultural and sociopolitical divides. Filled with intoxicating waves of sound and brilliant melodies, AlHaj succeeds in spreading his message of global understanding and love. Watch: Rahim AlHaj – “Lamma Bada Yatathanna”