Ibrahim Keivo Revives Ancient Middle Eastern Folk Songs in Captivating Performances
Ibrahim Keivo, a talented musician with Armenian heritage, brings ancient Mesopotamian and Near Eastern folk songs to life. His performances, which blend traditional instruments and multiple languages, captivate audiences worldwide. Keivo recently visited Germany for a guest appearance at the Morgenland Festival.
Keivo's musical journey began at age nine when he taught himself to play the bouzouki. Later, he honed his skills at a conservatory in Aleppo. Today, he masterfully plays various lute-like instruments, including the oud, baglama, and bouzouki, singing in Kurdish, Syriac, Armenian, Assyrian, and Arabic.
His repertoire spans themes like hospitality, heroism, love, and community, with a standout piece being a 3,000-year-old Yazidi song in Kurdish. Keivo's performances are more than concerts; they're sensory journeys that create rich atmospheres, preserving Middle Eastern cultural influences.
Growing up in a multiethnic and multireligious environment in northeastern Syria, Keivo's passion for music led him to teach in his village after graduating. He continues to collect traditional songs from his region, composing his own music alongside preserving old songs. His talents have taken him to countries like Kazakhstan and prestigious festivals such as the Morgenland Festival in Osnabrück.
Ibrahim Keivo, a bridge between ancient cultures and modern audiences, carries forward Middle Eastern musical traditions. With his mastery of traditional instruments and captivating performances, Keivo ensures that ancient songs continue to resonate in the hearts of listeners today.
