Azadoota

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Azadoota
Azadoota performing at a neighbourhood in Sydney, 2018
Azadoota performing at a neighbourhood in Sydney, 2018
Background information
OriginSydney, Australia
Genres
Years active1996–present
LabelsIndependent
Members
  • Robin Zirwanda
  • Rory
  • Stuart Vandegraaff
  • Paris Freed
  • Josh Zirwanda
Websitewww.azadoota.com

Azadoota (

Assyrian Neo-Aramaic.[1] The name of the band Azadoota (pronounced ah-zah-doota) means 'freedom' in the Assyrian language.[a]

Represented by traditional costumes worn in the ancient Assyrian royal court, Azadoota is one of the few professional bands in the world that performs in the Assyrian language, and is the only Assyrian act to target their presentations specifically to mainstream audiences.[2] The band performs original Assyrian music which the members describe as "contemporary Assyrian dance-rock worldbeat".[2] The employment of styles derived from popular music in combination with the Assyrian lore provides the band's music a quality where listeners can relate to.[3]

History

Azadoota's lead singer and founder, Robin Haider Zirwanda, was born in Dora, Baghdad in 1954. In his childhood, Zirwanda stated “I used to find the key to the music room and play all the instruments. But the drums were for me”. He migrated to Australia unaccompanied in 1971 when he was 17 years old with a guitar and a suitcase, not knowing a word in English. After his family arrived, they settled in Arnhem Land in the town of Nhulunbuy. Zirwanda then joined a band and formed a close bond with the indigenous community there. After relocating to Sydney in the 1980s, he worked as a percussionist in the cabaret scene and also with original bands on the pub circuit. In 1986, Zirwanda played with American folk singer Don McLean as his percussionist in McLean's 3-month Australian tour.

In the early 1990s, the rising prominent of

Assyrian identity in the modern-day world, with its first gig being held in Byron Bay.[4]
Regarding the name of the band, Zirwanda states, “Azadoota is Assyrian for 'freedom', and our music celebrates of the freedom we have in this country [Australia] to express ourselves through music.”

They released the album “Planetarian” in 2008 and “Beyond Bridges” in 2011. Their recent songs “Lishana (Jesus Spoke My Language)”, “Mazreta” (Spinning Top) and “Unity” are a plea for Assyrians in the western world to protect their heritage in order to secure their future. “Lishana” ("language"), which came out in 2015, became a moderate success among the Assyrians in the diaspora.[2]

Concerts

Azadoota performing in Toronto, Canada.

The band has regularly performed at a diverse range of venues, from the smallest

Assyrian new year festival in Fairfield Showground in Sydney each April, which typically draws 10,000 revellers.[5] In August 2018, the band toured North America for the first time.[3]

Regarding foreigners listening to Azadoota's music, Zirwanda states “It’s unbelievable; the Aussies buy your CDs, come to your gigs, and pay to see you sing in Assyrian.”[3] On performing at concerts and festivals, Zirwanda states:

Performing at festivals is a big deal for us, because we represent such a little known-nation. We are the only band in the world performing Assyrian music on the mainstream stage, so we carry a great responsibility to spread awareness of culture and the issues facing our people in the global community. Festivals offer us a valuable opportunity to do this. Compared to 20 years ago, I think the audiences now are much more receptive to global music.[6]

Musical style

The band makes use of a

funk, folk rock, jazz fusion and reggae, to sentimental ballads.[2]

According to the band's lead singer, the horn section indicates a revival of

Afro-Cuban influence in my songwriting...I sing about my homeland Iraq, about belonging to a nation without a land, about family and of course about love. Most [of our] songs are upbeat and danceable, with a positive message.[3]

Regarding his skills, Zirwanda states, “When you’re in percussion, you learn all the rhythms:

songwriting because of his talent as a lyricist and knowledge in the Assyrian language.[7] Although the band has gotten positive reception from Assyrians, some have found that its method is concealing the true Assyrian identity and suppressing its integrity. In response to this, Zirwanda says, “We’ve got to get our name [as Assyrians] out there in the world, in the bigger picture. Why not expose yourself so the world knows about you?”.[3]

Band members

The band performing at WOMADelaide in Adelaide, 2014, with extra backup singer Tatyana Dunlop.
  • Robin Zirwanda –
    doumbek
  • Rory – guitar
  • Stuart Vandegraaff – saxophone
  • Paris Freed –
    backup singer
  • Simon – bass guitar

Artists listed below have casually filled in the spots of the above members, were past members, or have simply served as additional musicians for the band in the past or present:

  • Murat Kucukarslan and Ben Wild – bass guitar
  • Vashti Sivell – piano
  • Tatyana Dunlop – backing vocals and keyboard
  • Chris Fields and Steve Marin – drums
  • Ben Samuels – sax and clarinet
  • Nick Ciccarelli and Marty Farrugia –
    trumpets
  • Nick Ujhazy – guitar

Discography

Albums

  • Planetarian (2008)
  • Beyond Bridges (2011)

Singles

  • Lishana (Jesus Spoke My Language) (2015)
  • Mazreta (Spinning Top) (2017)
  • Unity (2018)
  • Shinneh (Years) (2018)
  • Bruni (My Son) (2019)

References

  1. ^ a b Azadoota musicians
  2. ^ a b c d e Picatic - Azadoota
  3. ^ a b c d e f Azadoota blends traditional Assyrian rhythms with contemporary music
  4. ^ a b Azadoota - Triple J
  5. ^ Community Radio’s Australian Music Catalogue and Distribution Service
  6. ^ Interview with Robin Zirwanda by Bellbottom Arts & Culture, January 2018
  7. Sydney Morning Herald
    , Nina Karnikowski, 25 August 2012

Notes

  1. ^ The Assyrian word "azadoota" is borrowed from Persian, ⁠āzād.

External links

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