Oud Duo Releases "Sujood" Album Bridging Arab and Persian Music
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Palestinian oud player Nizar Rohana and Iranian oud player Yasmin Shah Hosseini released their album "Sujood" on November 6, 2026, blending Arabic and Persian musical traditions. The album, recorded in the Netherlands in September 2025, explores instrumental dialogues between the two oud players. Despite facing significant regional unrest during its production, the album is seen as a testament to resilience and creativity. It features eight tracks, with percussion by Rooven Rubik on five, and was supported by the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Nizar Rohana and Yasmin Shah Hosseini released their "Sujood" album on November 6, 2026, merging Arabic and Persian oud traditions.
- The album "Sujood" explores instrumental dialogues between Arabic and Persian musical styles.
- The production of "Sujood" was significantly impacted by regional unrest and violence over the past three years.
- Guest percussionist Rooven Rubik adds depth to five of the album's eight tracks.
- The album was recorded in September 2025 in the Netherlands with support from the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture.
Palestinian oud player Nizar Rohana and Iranian oud player Yasmin Shah Hosseini have released their collaborative album, "Sujood," on November 6, 2026. The album features instrumental music exploring the expressive potential of two distinct traditions: Arabic music, particularly Egyptian and Levantine styles, and Persian music. Available on vinyl, CD, and digital platforms, "Sujood" signifies a rare harmony, with the title meaning "prostration" in both Arabic and Persian, symbolizing reverence and fascination.
Rohana, who has long believed in the untapped expressive power of instrumental music, found a kindred spirit in Shah Hosseini after years of searching for a musical partner. The album comprises seven tracks composed and arranged by Rohana, alongside an improvisation inspired by Arabic Taqasim and Persian Dastgah traditions. Rohana's compositions explore the rich sonic possibilities of their distinct musical personalities, creating a dialogue that ranges from unified melodies to imitative exchanges and independent, interwoven lines.
Adding depth to five of the eight tracks is guest percussionist Rooven Rubik. The album's creation was notably challenging, occurring amidst significant regional unrest and violence over the past three years, which repeatedly impacted the project's development and production. Shah Hosseini experienced this firsthand in Iran. Therefore, "Sujood" is presented not just as an artistic achievement but as a testament to human resilience, the persistence of life, and the drive to create in the face of adversity.
Palestinian musician Bishara Khal described "Sujood" as an acknowledgment of truth's grandeur and a yearning to question its essence, emerging from a paradox of performance experience and mature depth. He noted that the music transcends traditional Maqam boundaries, blending spontaneous expression with structural thought. The album's intimate sound reveals the oud's natural characteristics and each player's unique dialect, creating a rich sonic palette. The album was recorded in September 2025 at Wedgeview Studios in the Netherlands, with production support from the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC).