Khebat Abbas blends traditional instruments with electronic sound at international festival.
Khebat Abbas, a Kurdish musician and sound composer, took part in the international “Another Sky” music festival held in Manchester, where she presented a new experimental musical performance combining traditional and modern elements.
Following her performance, Abbas described the festival as an important space for Kurdish artists to introduce innovative artistic works to international audiences. For the event, she created a special composition that merged cello and kemancheh with electronic sounds and the rhythm of a typewriter, producing what she described as a bridge between classical and contemporary music.
The performance was developed in collaboration with Hardi Kurd and was inspired by memories connected to Abbas’s mother. Through a combination of instruments and layered sounds, the piece explored themes of memory, resilience, emotion, and personal transformation.
Abbas explained that the work’s title was intentionally chosen to carry emotional and historical meaning, reflecting the way memories often return through feelings and fragmented reflections.
She also announced that the composition will be performed again as part of the “Irotêm” concert series in Manchester, an international platform focused on experimental and contemporary music. According to Abbas, the return of the performance demonstrates the growing international recognition of Kurdish artistic works that challenge traditional musical boundaries.
Known for blending classical music with electronic composition and modern sound techniques, Abbas has participated in numerous local and international festivals throughout her career. Her work frequently centers on themes of identity, memory, and human experience, helping establish her as a distinctive voice in contemporary Kurdish music.