Sufi is a branch of Islam for which music plays an important role, and in particular singing, in training the members. Sufi music is most known in Middle East and Central Asia countries, and in particular Pakistan. But Sufi orders are also found elsewhere. This CD presents the music of an order that is at least 500 years old, the Sulâmiyya, found in North Africa, and in particular in Tunisia. This music is sung by a men choir accompanied by few percussions. The men are in circle and walk to the rhythm of the melodies, which are written but which allows for some improvisation. Their repertoire comprises songs from their orders, as well as songs from other orders. Comparing with such singers as
the Sabri Brothers or
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan from Pakistan, we can not avoid noticing a wide diversity in Sufi music. ~ Bruno Deschênes