A legend. At only 43, this is what Ibrahim Maalouf is. Born in Beirut in 1980, he is the most famous instrumentalist of the French music scene. His work, a mix of genres and cultures, has guaranteed his international fame for the past 15 years.
His clear talent originates from his family’s legacy. Nephew of writer Amin Maalouf and son of musicologist Rushdi Maalouf, Ibrahim Maalouf follows in the footsteps of his ancestors by taking the path of music. For him, it will be the trumpet. Running from the war, he went to Paris and entered its prestigious music competitions. After graduating from the National Conservatory and the Paris Conservatory, he became in 2006 a professor of trumpet at the CNR Aubervilliers-La Courneuve.
Inspired by Arab artists Oum Kalthum and Fairuz, composers Mahler and Mozart, and classical jazz musicians Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie, he released his first studio album “Diasporas” in 2007. 16 others will follow! The alchemy of such a success: his talent, exceptional encounters, striking collaborations, the colors and singularity of his improvisations.
But if there’s one turning point to remember, it is 2017. The year of his meeting with legendary producer Quincy Jones, who scouts him at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Ever since? A gigantic leap into an international career and critically acclaimed albums. Major artists from Sting, Salif Keita, Amadou & Mariam, to Tryo, Matthieu Chedid or Angélique Kidjo collaborate with him to supplement their pieces .
First jazzman in history to sell-out the Paris Bercy Accord Arena, Ibrahim Maalouf can also boast to be the first Lebanese artist to have ever been nominated for the Grammy Awards in the US. His concerts, held in the world’s largest venues, arenas and stadiums, are often completely booked.
Ibrahim Maalouf featured in the 2023 ABS cultural season with improvised trumpet sounds, from American rap, to oriental melodies, and Latino-American rhythms.
