Week 6: Waleed Kush AfroJazz Enchant
Week 6 of the Rudy Ray Show was a magical journey that continued with a soul-stirring pilgrimage to the Nubian pyramids, guided by the mesmerizing melodies of Waleed Kush AfroJazz . This exceptional group, led by the talented Waleed Abdulhamid on bass and vocals, Cory Sitek on saxophone, John Ebata on keys, Simon Miminis on the drums, and trumpeter Rudy Ray, took the stage at the Union Summer Market, TD Stage, transporting the audience to the heart of Africa.
The performance was a captivating fusion of funk music deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Kushite people, a celebration of the musical traditions from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania. Waleed's original compositions, a blend of musical storytelling and heartfelt dialogue, left a lasting impact on the audience.
Their rendition of classics like "Malaika," a romantic love song composed in 1945 by Tanzanian Adam Salim, beautifully embellished by a soulful sax solo from Cory Sitek, touched the depths of emotions, especially for Waleed, who held the song dear to his heart since hearing it at the tender age of ten.
Moreover, the ensemble showcased their versatility by delving into Swahili, enriching the experience with meaningful words like "Bora" for humanity and "Rafiki" for friend, bridging cultures through the power of music.
Waleed Abdulhamid, the heart and soul of the ensemble, has been a guiding force for aspiring musicians like Rudy Ray, serving as a mentor and music professor for nearly three decades. His accolades, including the prestigious Dora Mavor Moore award, speak volumes about his profound impact on the music community.
His recent collaboration with TRIA Theatre in the production "King Gilgamesh & the Man of the Wild" added a new dimension to the ensemble's artistic journey, intertwining ancient tales with the vibrant lives of Ahmed Moneka and Jesse LaVercombe. This production from Soulpepper Theater Company accompanied by the enchanting Moneka Arabic Jazz band showcases the ensemble's ability to explore diverse creative environments while staying true to their African jazz roots.
Waleed Kush AfroJazz's 20-year journey, a labor of love, is evident in their close-knit camaraderie. Hailing from diverse backgrounds spanning Sudan, Ghana, Newfoundland, and Ontario, their shared passion for African jazz unites them as a tight-knit musical family.
Their Pilgrimage to the Nubian Pyramids project, enriched with workshops and soulful live performances, culminated in a spellbinding production at the esteemed Small World Music Centre. The audience emerged from the experience in a trance-like state, profoundly moved by the transformative power of the Waleed Kush African Jazz Ensemble.
As our musical journey continues, we eagerly anticipate witnessing more of this remarkable ensemble's captivating performances in the coming months, each encounter leaving us enriched, enlightened, and entranced by their musical mastery and the soulful stories they tell through their enchanting melodies.
