Naseer Shamma

Naseer Shamma, an Iraqi musician and renowned Oud player, was born in 1963 in Kut, Iraq, graduated
from the Institute of Music Studies in Baghdad in 1987, and has since attained a PhD in Musical
Philosophy.
Shamma's illustrious career has been adorned with over 70 international awards. It commenced with
the "Best Emotional Melody in Iraq" accolade in his graduation year and ascended to the honours of
the Iraqi Artist Syndicate for three consecutive years spanning from 1988 to 1990. Other noteworthy
achievements include the titles of "Best Artist in Iraq" in 1994, the prestigious Royal British Academy
Award in 1998, the distinguished Rotterdam Arab Festival Award, and a multitude of other esteemed
recognitions.
Harmonizing Cultures Across Borders
In the mid to late 1980s, Shamma embarked on a journey to introduce his musical heritage to Europe,
delivering mesmerizing performances in iconic cities such as Paris. This inaugural exploration paved the
way for subsequent concerts in eminent cultural hubs including Germany, Switzerland, and London.
Through these endeavours and more, Shamma established himself as a preeminent maestro on the
global music stage and, ultimately, as a revered Oud virtuoso. His pioneering albums were embraced
across Italy, the UK, Egypt, and Algeria, unveiling a tapestry of over 120 compositions that eloquently
convey his musical vision.
Continuing his artistic evolution, Shamma founded "The Arab Oud House" in 1999, inaugurating its
flagship establishment in Cairo. Through this institution, he meticulously nurtured Oud students to
attain expert proficiency, generously imparting his techniques and innovations to elevate the
instrument's prowess. The Arab Oud House's influence expanded to Abu Dhabi in 2008, Alexandria in
2011, Baghdad in 2018, and most recently, Khartoum, Riyadh, and Mosul. Shamma remains a guiding
force, orchestrating their development. Graduates of the Arab Oud House are privileged to perform
alongside Shamma in concerts worldwide, as integral members of the Arab Oud House Orchestra. This
ensemble not only sets a new benchmark for the Arab Orchestra but also bridges cultural divides,
introducing the richness of Arab musical traditions to global audiences on an academic platform.
Humanity Through Harmony
Beyond his artistic exploits, Shamma's profound humanitarian ethos underscores his commitment to
global harmony. Initiatives such as T.A.Z.C., providing aid to vulnerable children by sponsoring their
travel for surgery and treatment in India, and the Ahluna Foundation, a stalwart supporter of over three
million refugees, exemplify his compassionate endeavours. These, among many other, philanthropic
pursuits are powered by music, as Shamma fervently employs his craft to raise funds for a meticulously
vetted roster of humanitarian projects.
In recognition of his unwavering dedication, Shamma has been honoured with prestigious awards,
including the 2012 International Gusi Peace Prize. His commitment to humanitarian work is further
underscored by his roles as Ambassador of the Iraqi Red Crescent, Ambassador of the International
Non-Violence Association, UNESCO Artist for Peace, and most recently, as the goodwill ambassador to
the International Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies (IFRC) and Health Champion for the World
Health Organization (WHO), a designation bestowed upon him in 2023.