Omar Souleyman is a Syrian musician and singer born in 1966 in the northeastern town of Tell Tamer, Syria. Originally starting his career as a wedding singer in the 1990s, he quickly became a regional sensation known for his energetic, innovative take on traditional Syrian dabke and folk music. Fusing traditional Middle Eastern sounds with contemporary electronic production, Souleyman developed a distinct style characterized by rapid-fire keyboards, driving rhythms, and his deep, commanding vocals.
Accompanied for many years by keyboard virtuoso Rizan Sa'id, he has released dozens of live recordings for weddings and celebrations before gaining international attention in the late 2000s through reissues of his music by Western labels such as Sublime Frequencies. Souleyman's charismatic stage presence and infectious music have earned him a global following, leading to collaborations with artists like Four Tet and performances at major festivals worldwide. Despite the turmoil in Syria and his displacement from his homeland, Omar Souleyman continues to serve as a cultural ambassador, using music to share and celebrate the vibrant traditions of his heritage.
Dabke - Electronic - SyrianFolk - World - Techno