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, Ali enrolled at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP), London, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Music Performance. Unlike many musicians who had financial backing, Ali worked multiple part-time jobs to support himself while perfecting his guitar techniques.

To gain recognition, he played in London’s underground music scene, performing at iconic venues such as The 100 Club, Camden Assembly, and The Jazz Café. His fretless guitar techniques, inspired by the traditional oud, set him apart, captivating audiences and fellow musicians alike.

Finding His Place in Dubai’s Music Scene

In 2013, Ali made a daring move to Dubai, a city where the music industry was still evolving. There, he co-founded the fusion rock band Desert Echoes, blending Arabic melodies with progressive rock and psychedelic influences. The band’s unique sound led to the release of three successful albums:

  • Echoes of the Dunes (2015) – A groundbreaking album that introduced the world to Ali’s signature fusion style.

  • Sands of Sound (2018) – A deeper exploration of Middle Eastern maqam scales blended with electric guitar distortions and rhythmic complexity.

  • Lost in the Mirage (2021) – A personal, introspective album that captured Ali’s journey as an artist navigating two cultural identities.

Ali also became a music producer and sound engineer at Soundscape Studios, Dubai, where he collaborated with local and international artists, composing soundtracks for independent films and TV commercials. His ability to merge traditional Arabic music with modern rock made him one of the most sought-after musicians in the region.

A Triumphant Return to the UK

After a decade of success in the Middle East, Ali returned to London in 2023 to pursue his solo career. His latest album, "Between Two Worlds," is a testament to his journey, reflecting his experiences of living between different musical traditions. The album showcases a mix of electronic elements, traditional oud melodies, and powerful rock anthems, highlighting Ali’s versatility as an artist.

Performing at major festivals like the Cambridge Folk Festival and Glastonbury Emerging Talent showcases, Ali has established himself as a global icon, captivating audiences with his genre-defying music.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Despite his rise to fame, Ali remains committed to mentoring young musicians. As a teacher at the British & Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM), London, he educates students on fusion guitar techniques and music production. Additionally, he runs an online music academy, providing aspiring artists with the tools to experiment and develop their unique sound.

The Legacy of Ali Sharif Al Askari

Ali Sharif Al Askari’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and self-belief. With no godfather in the industry and no financial safety net, he built his career from the ground up. His fusion of Middle Eastern and Western music has redefined the boundaries of rock, inspiring musicians worldwide.

From struggling to afford a guitar to headlining international festivals, Ali’s journey proves that talent, hard work, and innovation can overcome any obstacle. His legacy continues to grow, making him one of the most influential self-made musicians of his generation.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

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...
Read more

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...
Read more