Overview
Oud player, singer and composer Dhafer Youssef leads his Quintet on a mesmerising journey through soundscapes that bridge East and West. Born in Tunisia, Youssef divides his time between Vienna, Paris and New York and his music reflects this global spirit. Rooted in the Arab musical and vocal traditions of North Africa, he masterfully fuses jazz, European classical forms, Turkish influences and traditional Indian music into sensuous melodies and intricate rhythmic structures. With driving beats, experimental textures and subtle electronic elements, his music captivates both jazz aficionados and younger audiences alike. An evening of intensity, emotion and the transformative power of sound.
Programme
Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 proudly presents Dhafer Youssef, the globally acclaimed virtuoso oud player and prolific composer, and one of the most visionary voices in contemporary world music, for an unforgettable evening that bridges tradition and innovation.
Renowned for his mesmerising voice and his fusion of Sufiheritage, jazz and global sonic textures, Youssef brings to Abu Dhabi a deeply evocative programme drawn from his most celebrated works, alongside newcreations that explore the limits of musical expression. Through soaring vocals, oud mastery and improvisation of profound emotional depth, he transports audiences into a sound world where spirituality, rhythm and poetic storytelling intertwine.
A pioneering figure on the international stage, Dhafer Youssef has collaborated with leading musicians and performed on prestigious platforms, reshaping the landscape of world and jazz music. His art speaks tothe soul, timeless, borderless and transformative.
This exclusive performance marks a major highlight of Abu Dhabi Festival 2026, offering audiences a transcendent journey through sound, emotion and cultural unity. An extraordinary night with one of the most innovative artists of our time.
Artists
Dhafer Youssef is a Tunisian oud master, vocalist and composer, widely recognised for redefining the oud within contemporary music. Born in the fishing village Teboulba, Tunisia, into a family of muezzins, his musical foundations were shaped by Quranic recitation before discovering the oud. After early musical training in Tunisia, he moved to Vienna, where exposure to jazz, Indian music and global improvisational scenes proved pivotalin shaping his distinctive sound.
Over the past three decades, Youssef has built aglobally acclaimed career, releasing a series of influential albums that fuseoud, voice and contemporary jazz with electronic and orchestral textures. His collaborations span leading artists across Europe, the Middle East and the United States, and his work has appeared on major international stages and festivals worldwide. Today, Youssef stands as one of the most influential figures in contemporary oud performance and composition.
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