Zied Zouari and Imed Alibi unite as Duo Safar for an intimate musical journey at Kings Place, blending Arabic classical traditions, jazz and Mediterranean rhythms. Virtuosic violin, intricate percussion and refined improvisation create a deeply expressive performance rooted in North African and Mediterranean musical heritage.
A powerful dialogue between strings and percussion, Duo Safar brings together two of Tunisia’s most distinctive contemporary musicians: acclaimed violinist and composer Zied Zouari and celebrated percussionist Imed Alibi. “Safar”, meaning journey in Arabic, is an intimate and cinematic musical encounter rooted in the rich traditions of the Mediterranean and North Africa. Revisiting the spirit of their acclaimed 2014 album also titled Safar, produced by Justin Adams, the duo strips the music back to its essence: raw emotion, refined improvisation and deep musical conversation. Blending classical Arabic traditions with jazz, contemporary composition, and world influences, Duo Safar creates a mesmerising soundscape where soaring violin lines meet intricate rhythmic textures. Their performances move effortlessly between contemplation and intensity, carrying audiences across imagined landscapes from the Maghreb to the wider Mediterranean.
Together, Duo Safar offers a deeply expressive live experience; ancient and modern, intimate and expansive, guided by virtuosity, spontaneity and a shared musical heritage.
About Imed Alibi
Imed Alibi, awarded Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture in 2021, has collaborated internationally with artists including Rachid Taha, Natasha Atlas, Emel Mathlouthi and Kel Assouf. Alongside his work as a performer and composer, he has also served as Director of the International Festival of Carthage and Carthage Music Days.
About Zied Zouari
Zied Zouari is recognised as one of the leading voices of contemporary Arabic violin. A composer, improviser and scholar, he has performed at major international venues including the Institut du Monde Arabe, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and Festival de Carthage, collaborating with artists such as Goran Bregović, Sylvain Luc and Daniel Mille.