TURBO TABLA is the creation of Karim Nagi. He recontextualizes the melodies, rhythms and ecstatic practices of traditional Arab music into a universal urban medium. A true crossover artist, Karim re-imagines his tradition. He captures the old-school esoteric music of his culture and revitalizes it for our generation. Unlike many DJ/Remix artists, Karim is a musician and primary source. He performs the music from scratch with talented fellow musicians. He is completely imformed about the essential Arab music systems (maqam and iqaat) and remains avid in the performance of traditional music.
TURBO TABLA is a dancer's epiphany. Belly dancers from New York to California choreograph to Turbo Tabla songs. It has the magical ingredients: the rolling and sharp pops of the Arabic Tabla, the intoxicating Eastern microtonal melodies, and a techno house groove. Karim has made music for Bellydance Superstars, Bellyqueen, and BellyTwins.
Turbo Tabla has its own performance dance troupe. BELLYDANCE OVERDRIVE includes young and talented dancers, Meiver (Dominican Rep.), Lauren (USA) and Nina (Brazil), along with Karim. The troupe performs solos, duets and trios to Turbo Tabla songs and live music. They wear custom ethno-modern outfits designed by Karim, and perform a perfect concoction of traditional and progressive Arabic dance. They perform as concert opening acts, in dance festivals, headline nightclub events, and conduct dance parties.
CITY DATE EVENT INFORMATION
New York City Oct 2-4 - weekend Andalusi workshop & show Egyptian Academy
Brunswick, ME Oct 7 @ 1pm - wednesday Arab music lecture and demonstration Bowdoin College
Boston, MA Oct 10-11 - weekend performance TBA
Pawtucket, RI Oct 12 @ 12 noon - sunday Musicality for Dancers workshop World Dance and Music Center
Akron, OH Oct 17 @ all day - saturdayworkshops & performance Daum Theater, Akron OH
Bay Area, CA Oct 22 @ 6:30pm - thursday Taqsim & Drum Solo workshops Suhaila Salimpour Studios
Los Angeles, CA Oct 24 @ 7pm & 9pm - saturday performance From Folk to Fusion : dance & music concert
Los Angeles, CA Oct 25 @ 12pm - sunday Dancer-Drummer Communication workshop The Center For Worldance, Alhambra CA
Chicago, IL Oct 30 - friday performance Turbo Raqs Chicago @ Al Hambra Palace
Chicago, IL Oct 31-Nov 1 - weekend Cymbals, Drum Solo, & Folkdance workshops Visceral Dance
2820 N. Elston Ave, Chicago
Carbondale, IL Nov 7 - 8 - tuesdayworkshops & performance Nile Breeze Dance
Osaka, Japan Nov 19-21 - week workshops & performance Tania Luiz and Shahmeran
Tokyo, Japan Nov 21-24 - weekend workshops & performance Deseos Productions
Hong Kong Nov 26-30 - all weekworkshops & performance Klub Raks Hong Kong
USA Tour Dec 5-20 - 2 weeks concerts Boston Camerata Mediterranean Christmass
