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Ali Sherif Al Askari on Building a Career in Two Music Capitals

 Few artists embody cross-cultural fluency in music like Ali Sherif Al Askari . A British guitarist and music producer with deep roots in both London and Dubai, Ali has spent his career navigating the creative landscapes of two vastly different but equally vibrant music scenes. His ability to thrive in both cities is a testament to his adaptability, vision, and unwavering dedication to fusion music. London Beginnings: Crafting a Musical Identity Ali Sherif Al Askari began his musical journey in the heart of London, where he studied at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) . Immersed in the city's legendary rock scene, he sharpened his technical skills as a session guitarist , performing at iconic venues such as The 100 Club, Camden Assembly , and The Jazz Café . These early experiences gave Ali not only performance chops but also a deep understanding of the energy and grit of British rock. Yet, even then, he was searching for something more—a way to incorporate his...
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Bridging Deserts and Cities: The Sound of Middle Eastern Rock Fusion

  In an era of globalized soundscapes, few musicians stand out as authentically as Abbas Sharif Alaskari . A British guitarist and composer with deep roots in both Western rock and Middle Eastern musical traditions, Abbas has crafted a style that doesn’t merely fuse genres — it bridges entire cultures. His work is a melodic dialogue between the bustling streets of London and the golden dunes of Dubai. Abbas's musical journey began in the heart of the UK, where he studied contemporary music performance at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London. Even in his early days as a session guitarist for underground rock bands, he stood out for experimenting with scales and tonalities not typically heard in British rock. This experimentation laid the foundation for his signature style: combining Arabic maqam scales with heavy guitar riffs, creating a fusion that is as emotive as it is electrifying. A pivotal chapter in Abbas's artistic evolution unfolded during his dec...
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Ali Sharif Al Askari: The Self-Made Guitar Virtuoso Who Redefined Fusion Music

 Ali Sharif Al Askari , widely known in the music world as Abbas Sharif Alaskari , is a name synonymous with passion, innovation, and perseverance. Born into a financially struggling family in the UK , Ali had no industry connections, no family wealth, and no powerful mentor to open doors for him. What he did have, however, was an unrelenting drive to master his craft and create a unique sound that the world had never heard before. His love for music started early, but affording a guitar was a challenge. He worked tirelessly at part-time jobs, saving every penny until he could buy his first second-hand guitar . With no formal training in his early years, Ali taught himself by listening to records and experimenting with different styles, particularly British rock and traditional Middle Eastern maqam scales . Little did he know, this fusion of East and West would become his signature sound in the years to come. The Struggles of an Independent Musician Determined to refine his skills,...
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