Habibi Funk : A Selection From Libyan Tapes

Description

This compilation is not an exhaustive retrospective of Libyan music, but a subjective journey through sonic treasures discovered on cassettes, during discussions or research in Libya and elsewhere. Rather than focusing on the best-known artists, it highlights forgotten gems from the cassette era, drawn from a creative context often marked by political constraints and limited international visibility. It reveals an eclectic mix of reggae, synth disco, raw pop, house and funk, reflecting the Libyan musical landscape between the 1980s and 2000s. These recordings come in part from the TK7 cassette factory in Tunisia (now demolished) and from a digitization session in Cairo in 2021. Among the artists featured are Ahmed Ben Ali, Cheb Bakr, Najib Alhoush & The Free Music, as well as lesser-known groups such as Khaled Al Melody, Libya Music Band or Group Hewaya. Their music, often recorded in artisanal conditions or abroad, bears witness to a growing self-production movement from the 1990s onward, with the emergence of independent studios. The result is a sonic diversity marked by Afro-Arab influence and bold experimentation. Reggae takes on a local hue here, both musical and identity-based. All tracks are licensed from the artists or their rights holders, reflecting an effort to recognize and pass on this little-known sonic heritage.