Ali Hassan Kuban

Ali Hassan Kuban, born in Nubia in 1929, is revered as a pioneer, adapting jazz modes to the pentatonic rhythms and beat of traditional Nubian music. Pronounced the godfather of Nubian soul, his unique fusion adjusts the sounds of Western instruments so that they blend with Nubian folkloric culture.

Afropop Worldwide calls Kuban, "A champion and reinventor of Egypt's all-but-lost Nubian culture, a musical innovator who bridged rural and urban realities." —Courtesy Calabash Music