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Born in Algiers, Algeria, Yazid Fentazi composes in his own words “a blend of traditional with modern music.” It is a uniquely skillful and modern style of North African music fusion, coming from a long custom of absorbing influences, be they Algerian, Kurdish, Berber, Arabic, Egyptian, Spanish, Indian and numerous more. The Guardian has described Fentazis’ compositions as possessing “breadth and atmosphere, and his oud soloing, which recalls the drive and dynamism of world oud star Anouar Brahem, is often stunning,”. Having played music virtually all his adult years, Fentazi recollects how as a young lad he didn’t have the means to get any musical instruments’, he resorted instead to “buy music and listen, which was good because I started to develop my musical ear. Then slowly, slowly I bought my first guitar in 1980.” Entrepreneurial from the beginning Fentazi tried to find a coach to teach him, unsuccessful since he was ‘too old’ at 16 to learn the guitar, Fentazi taught himself. Nowadays when he composes, Fentazi starts with the bass line, playing it on his guitar and then adding the melody. Today Fentazi prefers to play the oud, a very old Arabic lute, “it is unique and individuals respond to the sound.” Further instruments Fentazi plays are flutes, percussion and the zorna. All these instruments, Fentazi has taught himself, “I don’t know how,” he says laughing. Renown for the compelling atmosphere Fentazi’s live performances evoke, he is acutely coy, “The greatest audiences? You can come across them anywhere, but it relies upon how you perform. If you are happy and perform well then you create a good vibe and audience.” Performances with other distinguished musicians most notably consist of Robert Plant, Ali Slimani, Cheb Mami, Orchestra National de Barbes, and Natacha Atlas. Fentazi is laid back vis-à-vis the number of requests made for collaborations; he forever insists “they contact me.” On working with Natacha Atlas, Fentazi is unphazed, “I have been asked by Natacha Atlas, who is tremendously nice individual and extremely helpful, she asked if I want to work together anytime, but I told her "it is too late for this album, maybe next time.” Mul Sheshe (The Turbaned One), Fantazias’ greatly anticipated follow-up album is to be released this month by Harmonium Monday Records. The title song is “quite funny,” explains Fentazi, “it is about a guy who is confused. He comes from a traditional small village, but he goes to a large incredibly modern city only to get awfully perplexed". “Does he go left? Does he go right? Which way to go?” Mul Sheshe is available from Harmonium Monday Records. See Fantazia at Queen Elizabeth Hall in July.
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To find out more about what is going on in London's African based arts scene, read The Gods are Not to Blame at WhiteMercury.com
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