Folk Bands and Artists
Akram Abdulfattah
Akram Abdulfattah (1990) is a Palestinian-American violinist, music composer and producer. Born in New Jersey, Raised and based in Palestine, the northern Galilee.
Moving back to his traditional village(1995) Kawkab Abu El-Hija, Akram was fascinated by the Palestinian lifestyle, nature and culture and was inevitably introduced to Darbuka (Arabic: Tabla). At 6 years old, Akram’s father Mohammed and his two uncles, Foad and Mowaffak Abdulfattah, taught him basic rhythms and Oud and he started playing with them in family gatherings. Akram’s talent received national and international recognition as he Graduated with excellence at Jerusalem Academy of Music and dance(2008) and formed the youngest Palestinian musical quartet “Awan”, winning prestigious awards, most remarkably the Marcel Khalifa Competition (2008 and 2009), the National Music Competition for Ensembles (2012), and the Palestinian “On Stage” Competition for Ensembles (2012).
Akram´s music sound is influenced by masters of the Arabic classical music who inspired him to crystallize his own musical philosophy, and he has learned from international and Arab master musicians of the modern time including Simon Shaheen, Kamil Shajrawi,HK Vankatram and many more who helped refine and nurture his talent.
Between 2009 and 2013, Akram has played in almost all of the major Palestinian music projects and participated in several international concerts. He collaborated with respected musicians like Sukkanya Ramgopal, Amirfathang Eskandari , Joy Sarkar Shaheen, Bassam Saba, Yousef Hbeich,Brian Kean, Omar Faruk Tekbilek and performed with singers and pop artists from Palestine and the Arab world including Mohammed Assaf, Dalal Abu Amny, Nai Barghouthi, Asalah Nasri, Elham Madfa’e, and Hani Mitwasi.
Akram firmly believes that music can serve as a tool to reduce alienation and bring people together despite their differences. He views the mutual influence of cultures through ongoing interactions as imperative for the continued development of music. His vision is to use instrumental music as a tool to introduce the world to the Palestinian rich culture, legacy, and folklore. As an independent artist living in a complex reality, he had to overcome several challenges inherent in an underdeveloped Palestinian instrumental music field that lacked resources and infrastructure.In 2016 Akram produced his second album “Jawa” and “Jawa Live” 2018, a fully independent project featuring artists from Sweden, showcased in many parts of Palestine.
Inspired by his love for Carnatic violin and multiple journeys to India , Akram have released his Cross-Culture album “Monologue” (2021) featuring musicians from India, And formed his Indo-Arab Instrumental trio “Sirat” (2019-2024) in collaboration with Mandola Joy and Rupak Dhamankar.
In 2022 Akram released his new mini album “From Here” that gained international acclaim, “Beat of the week” on BBC 6, and “Single of the month” on Jazz FM London. With his multinational 5 piece group Akram has been touring the UK with highlights being his debut London show at Rich Mix, and festival appearances at Knockengorroch and Cambridge Folk 2023. With a brand new album Abu Kenda due to release this year (2024) Akram is looking forward to presenting his tour release with highlights being Shambala and Greenbelt Festivals in addition to his debut concert at Pizza Express Jazz Club(Soho).
Genre: Contemporary folk
