Composer and musician Maurice Louca is an exciting and distinct voice coming out of Cairo, Egypt. Having been part of numerous bands over the past decade including: Bikya, Alif Ensemble and Dwarfs of East Agouza, in addition to his solo compositions (Garraya, 2011), he has made a name for himself locally and internationally. In November 2014, Louca released his second solo album, titled `Salute the Parrot`. As he explains in this interview with musician and critic Rami Abadir, Louca developed the project following a non-conventional approach of live performance and improvisation with carefully composed sets that were recorded over and over in a studio over the past three years.
He also discusses his overall vision of the project, influences and why many mistake him for a DJ. Khyam Allami, founder of Nawa Recordings, also explains the role the music label played in realizing the project. The interviews took place in the build up to the album release concert in Rawabet Theater in late November.
The interviews were conducted in Arabic and have English subtitles.
[This video was produced by Medrar TV and is featured in partnership with Jadaliyya Culture]