Habibi Funk is a record label based out Berlin, Germany. They are “dedicated to re-releasing a style of music that historically never existed as a musical genre.” Specifically, these compilations and re-releases focus on music from Arab nations, though not exclusively funk. The songs and albums that are featured here are super special — not just taking a Western blueprint for a song and re-purposing it. The songs take local, regional influence and mix it with influence from other parts the world. So, some of that influence is clearly Western, but also influence from Caribbean islands, for example. The track Argos Farfish is a great example, with very funk-style horns mixed with a rockabilly, lofi guitar riff. With the guitar sound, one could easily see Johnny Cash singing over it.
The label, conscious of western exploitation of Arab nations, licenses the tracks directly from the artists or the artists family and splits profits evenly. “As a European label dealing with non- western artists we try to be aware of the responsibilities that derive within the making, seen from a post-colonial point of view by demanding ourselves not to reproduce exploitative economic patterns,” they say.
With that, I hope you enjoy Habibi Funk as much as I do.
Habibi Funk 007 - An eclectic selection of music from the Arab world
I’m pairing with:
It’s very warm in Austin this weekend, so I’ll be drinking this Moonland rosé to celebrate the sun on my skin.
This recipe for a spiced buttermilk roast chicken. I have not made this before, but it looks great. Honestly, anything that says “buttermilk” is something that I’ll try at least once. After all, I’m a southerner.
Shameless plug — Horse Opera (the moniker for me and my partner’s DJ group) opened for DRAMA last week. If you’re interested in our set, you can listen on Soundcloud here.
As always, thank you, thank you and have a great weekend.