Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection of Music from the Arab World

Habibi Funk is an eclectic selection of music from the Arab world. Featuring a wide range of genres and styles, Habibi Funk is perfect for anyone looking to explore the vibrant and diverse music of the Arab world.

Introduction to Habibi Funk

Habibi Funk is a compilation series that aims to showcase the more eclectic and underground side of music from the Arab world. The series is curated by Jannis Stürtz, a Berlin-based DJ and music producer of Egyptian descent, and features a wide range of artists and styles, from traditional to electronic.

The first installment in the series, Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection of Music from the Arab World, was released in 2016 and featured artists from Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Lebanon, Tunisia, Syria, and Palestine. The album received critical acclaim for its unconventional approach to showcasing music from the Arab world, and was hailed as “a much-needed breath of fresh air” by Pitchfork.

Following the success of the first album, Habibi Funk returned in 2018 with a second installment, this time expanding its scope to include music from across the Arab world, including Sudan, Mauritania, Libya, Iraq, and Yemen. The album once again received critical acclaim, with NPR declaring it “an essential listen for anyone interested in global beats.”

With two successful albums under its belt, Habibi Funk has established itself as one of the most exciting and innovative curators of music from the Arab world.

What is Habibi Funk?

Habibi Funk is a music collective that aims to promote and preserve the sounds of the Arab world. The collective was founded in 2012 by German-born, Cairo-based DJ and music producer Jannis Stürtz. Habibi Funk draws from a wide range of Arabic music styles, from classic Egyptian pop and Algerian Rai to modern hip-hop and electronic dance music.

An eclectic selection of music

Habibi Funk is a compilation series highlighting the work of incredible artists making music from and inspired by the Arab world. The music on Habibi Funk defies easy categorization, drawing from a range of genres and traditions while remaining deeply rooted in the sounds of the region.

The series is curated by Jannis Stürtz, a Berlin-based DJ and record collector with a passion for unearthing hidden gems from across the Arab world. Stürtz has spent years digging through dusty record shops and archives in search of forgotten sounds, and his collections provide a unique window into the vibrant musical cultures of the Arab world.

Habibi Funk Volume 1 was released in 2016, and featured tracks by artists from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Lebanon, Egypt, and Sudan. The compilation was hailed as “a lovingly assembled mix of lost classics and modern club jams” (The Fader) and “a vital document of a musical moment” (Pitchfork).

Volume 2 was released in 2018, and spotlighted artists from Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates. The compilation was praised for its “eclectic selection of music that traverses genres and eras” (NPR) and “expansive vision of what constitutes ‘Arab music'” (The Guardian).

With each new volume, Habibi Funk shines a light on the rich tapestry of Arab musical traditions while also pointing towards exciting new directions for the future. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Middle Eastern music or just getting started on your journey into this vast and varied world of sound, Habibi Funk is sure to have something for you.

A gateway to the Arab world

Habibi Funk is a music label based in Berlin, Germany, that specializes in releasing music from the Arab world. The name Habibi Funk comes from the Arabic word habibi, which means “my love”, and funk, which is a type of African-American music that originated in the 1970s.

The label was founded in 2015 by DJ and producer Jannis Stürtz, who has a passion for digging up forgotten gems from the Arab world. Habibi Funk aims to introduce listeners to a side of the Arab world that is often overlooked in the West.

The label’s releases include a compilation of music from Sudan, an album of remixes of Algerian songs, and a mixtape of Iraqi hip-hop. Habibi Funk has also released music videos, including one for the Algerian song “Wenu Wenu” by Ibrahim Maalouf.

In addition to promoting Arab music, Habibi Funk also supports humanitarian causes in the region. For example, proceeds from the sale of the Sudan compilation album will go to support education in Sudan.

The Habibi Funk Sound

Habibi Funk is a DJ and music label based in Germany that specializes in releases of overlooked and forgotten music from the Arab world. The Habibi Funk sound is a blend of traditional sounds and modern production, often with a heavy dose of funk and disco influences. The label has released music from a variety of countries, including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Egypt.

A mix of traditional and modern sounds

The Habibi Funk sound is a mix of traditional and modern sounds from the Arab world. The music is influenced by a variety of genres, including hip hop, jazz, and electronic music. Habibi Funk strives to create a new sound that is both authentic and contemporary.

The Habibi Funk sound is a product of the Arab world’s rich musical history. The music is influenced by a variety of genres, including hip hop, jazz, and electronic music. Habibi Funk strives to create a new sound that is both authentic and contemporary.

The music of Habibi Funk is rooted in the rich tradition of Arabic music. The sound is a blend of traditional and modern influences, with an emphasis on creating a new sound that is authentically Arabic.

A focus on the positive

The Habibi Funk sound is one that focuses on the positive aspects of the Arab World. The music is a mix of traditional and modern styles, with an emphasis on Funk and Soul. The goal of the music is to promote a positive image of Arabs and to celebrate the diversity of the culture.

The Habibi Funk ethos

Habibi Funk is a record label that is dedicated to unearthing and sharing lost musical gems from the Arab world. The label was founded by Jannis Stürtz, who is of German and Lebanese descent. Stürtz was born and raised in Germany, but he has always been interested in the music of his parents’ homeland.

Inclusivity

The music of the Arab world is as diverse as its many cultures, and Habibi Funk aims to reflect that diversity with their releases. The German-based record label was founded in 2015 by Jannis Stürtz, and specializes in reissues and compilations of rare and obscure Arabic vinyl recordings from the 1970s and 80s.

Their motto is “inclusivity not exclusivity,” and they strive to create a platform for music that might otherwise be overlooked. In addition to physical releases, they also offer a free streaming service on their website, Habibi Funk Radio. Whether you’re a seasoned listener or just getting started, there’s something for everyone on Habibi Funk.

A love for the music and the culture

While the world has been transfixed by the images and sounds of the Arab Spring/Summer of 2011, Habibi Funk took a step back and reflected on the musical legacy of Arab cultures pre-dating these momentous events.

The music collected on this compilation presents a sound that is rarely heard outside of its native countries. These are contemporary artists, inspired by traditional music, but re-contextualizing it for the 21st century. And while each tune stands on its own as a great piece of music, they also come together to create a coherent whole that reflects the rich tapestry of Arab cultures.

This is not music designed for Western ears, but rather a love letter to the music and culture of the Arab world. We hope you enjoy it.

The Habibi Funk community

Founded in 2016 by Jannis Stürtz, Habibi Funk is a record label bringing together an eclectic selection of music from the Arab world. The label has released music by artists from countries including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Egypt, and has been praised for its promotion of Arabic musical heritage.

A global community

The Habibi Funk community is a global community of music lovers who are passionate about the eclectic selection of music from the Arab world. The term “habibi” means “my dear” or “my love” in Arabic, and the community members use it to describe their deep affection for the music of their homeland.

The Habibi Funk catalogue includes a wide range of genres, from traditional Arab folk music to contemporary hip hop and electronica. The common thread that binds the community together is a shared love for the unique sounds of the Arab world.

In addition to being a musical force, the Habibi Funk community is also a political one. The members use their platform to shine a light on social issues and to promote cultural tolerance and understanding. In an increasingly divided world, they believe that music can be a powerful tool for healing and bridge-building.

A passion for the music

The Habibi Funk community has a passion for the music of the Arab world, and they have been working to promote and preserve it for many years. This effort has been focused on collecting, restoring, and reissuing lost and forgotten music from the region.

Their work has resulted in the release of several critically acclaimed compilations, including Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection of Music from the Arab World, which was named one of the best albums of 2017 by Pitchfork.

The community is also active in organizing events and performances, which provide a platform for both emerging and established artists from the Arab world to showcase their work.

The Future of Habibi Funk

In a world where the majority of popular music is created by computers, it’s refreshing to see a band like Habibi Funk keeping it real. Their music is a unique blend of traditional Arab instruments and Western influences. It’s the perfect blend of old and new, and it’s sure to get your feet moving.

continuing to champion Arab music

Habibi Funk’s success has been a long time coming, but it’s well deserved. The brainchild of Jannis Stürtz, the Cologne, Germany-based label has spent the better part of a decade unearthing and championingArab music from across the globe.

Stürtz’s mission is to promote the music of Arab cultures and to challenge stereotypes about them. “There’s this perception that everything coming out of the Arab world is somehow related to terrorism or refugees,” he told NPR in 2017. “People don’t realize that there’s this other side to it — this very rich, interesting culture that has so much to offer.”

Habibi Funk has released compilations featuring artists from Lebanon, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan and beyond. The label has also put out records by individual artists, including Yemeni singer-songwriter Waḥid Ṣafi and Algerian raï legend Cheb Hassen Tej.

In recent years, Habibi Funk has begun working with younger artists who are keeping traditional sounds alive while also pushing them in new directions. One such artist is Alsarah, a Brooklyn-based musician originally from Sudan. Her newest album, Manara, is a gorgeous blend of algorithmsand ouds that feels both futuristic and steeped in history.

As Habibi Funk enters its second decade, Stürtz shows no signs of slowing down. He’s currently working on a compilation of Sudanese jazz from the 1970s and ’80s — yet another reminder that there’s always more to discover when it comes to Arab music.

expanding the reach of the music

Habibi Funk is on a mission to introduce Arab music to the world through its eclectic selection of tunes. The record label has been praised for its efforts in promoting Arab music and culture, and its recent release “An Eclectic Selection of Music from the Arab World” has been no exception.

With over 20,000 copies sold, the album has reached a wider audience than ever before and has been lauded by critics as one of the most important releases of 2018.

founder Jannis Stürtz is excited about the future of Habibi Funk and plans to continue expanding the reach of the music. “Our goal is to make Arab music more visible and accessible to everyone,” he says. “We want to show that this music is versatile, interesting and relevant.”

The label has already begun working on its next release, which will be a compilation of female Arabic singers. Stürtz is hopeful that Habibi Funk will help change the way people think about Arabic music and open up new opportunities for Arab artists.