The Musical Threads of the Silk Roads
A project that combines musical collaborations and ethnomusicology, presented in the form of an album, a live performance, music videos, and short films.
The Story
Inspired by his passion for modal music and motivated by the beauty of creating and connecting with musicians from diverse origins, Ibantuta heads out with his Oud on a year-long journey across 12 countries of the ancient Silk Roads. Enriched with the artistic collaboration of over 40 traditional string instrument players, Ibantuta presents his debut album : “The Musical Threads of the Silk Roads” - a heartfelt tribute to the essence of traditional music.
The music album is accompanied by over a dozen music videos that immerse us further in the beautiful sceneries of Ibantuta’s voyage. Along the route, Ibantuta also discusses the relevance of these rich and ancient musical traditions in the contemporary world with numerous ethnomusicologists and musicians. Fascinating interviews and short films complete The Musical Threads of the Silk Roads project, offering beautiful sounds, captivating images and compelling insights to the world of traditional musics.
Currently on tour, Ibantuta presents an exceptional solo performance, where the Oud takes centre stage against a backdrop of music videos he recorded during this year long musical exploration. His talent as storyteller and musician guides his audience on a unique sensory journey that is deeply moving and uplifting.
Musical Encounters
Ibantuta took a leap of faith beginning his journey from scratch, armed with nothing but a camera and his Oud.
"Arriving in these unfamiliar lands, I was unable to communicate in the local language. I had no contacts, no starting point. By knocking on the doors of music schools and shops, making inquiries at museums, festivals, or simply reaching out to locals, these musical encounters were made possible thanks to a shared love for music… and a little bit of luck."
All these encounters were captured in music videos and are being released under the title “When Oud meets” over the course of the year 2023 - 2024.
1
Kunming, China / Guzheng
2
Kunming, China / Pipa
3
Yangon, Myanmar / Saung
4
Varanasi, India / Sarod
5
Almaty, Kazakhstan / Qobyz
6
Toshkent, Uzbekistan / Rabab
7
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan / Guitar
8
Isfahan, Iran / Tar
Interviews
Questioning the role of these traditional musics in today's world.
From China to Crete, I had the pleasure to interview and to exchange with musicians and ethnomusicologists on various subjects ranging from the preservation of musical traditions to modal music theory and its transcultural reinterpretation.
These insightful conversations have been documented in fascinating short movies and will be released over the course of the year 2023 - 2024.
Landscapes
Originally, it is these lands that shape us as human beings, in the way we create music and perceive the world. I pay tribute to these magnificent regions with the sound of the strings of my Oud.
