Far from home, Middle Eastern band finds ethnic music rhythm in Germany

Cami, who grew up speaking Arabic and Hebrew, says it was natural for her to use both languages for her songs. Photo: Kayan Project

When Eden Cami closes her eyes and starts singing ancient tunes in Arabic and Hebrew, Jewish-Israeli bassist Or Rozenfeld plays the contrabass, and Syrian band member Wassim Mukdad creates sparkling sounds on his 12-string oud, they take their audience on a musical journey through the Middle East.

Yet the three musicians all live far from there – in Germany. Back in their native region, they likely would be unable to perform together due to long-standing hostilities between their governments and societies.