Ali Shakaki
Kurdish Singer and Tanbur Player
Ali Shakaki
Kurdish Singer and Tanbur Player
Experience World-class Kurdish music and captivating, powerful cultural performance.Music that moves people.
Authentic. Soulful. Unforgettable.
Artist Summary
Ali Shakaki is a world-class Kurdish singer and tanbur player from Afrin, Syria, now based in Australia. Known for his powerful voice and exceptional command of the tanbur, he brings emotionally rich performances that resonate across cultures.Ali specialises in traditional Kurdish music, original compositions, and collaborative world-music projects, making him a compelling addition to festival stages and cultural events.
Full Bio
Ali Shakaki is a Kurdish musician celebrated for his captivating voice and extraordinary mastery of the tanbur. Originally from Afrin, Syria, he has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s finest Kurdish musicians. Ali often describes the tanbur as half of his body, reflecting a lifelong bond with this traditional instrument that shapes his identity and sound.His music tells stories of love, landscape, and the lived experiences of the Kurdish people. Whether performing traditional songs or his own compositions, Ali brings emotional depth and cultural resonance to every stage.
Ali began performing at age eleven and became a respected figure in Syria’s vibrant music scene. His career was interrupted in 2014 when the Syrian conflict forced him to flee. After three years in Iraqi Kurdistan, he resettled in Australia, where he now lives in Coffs Harbour with his family.Since arriving in Australia, Ali has continued to share his musical heritage through concerts, festivals, and collaborations with renowned artists including Greg Sheehan, Laura Targett, and Emiliano Beltzer. His performances blend Kurdish tradition with contemporary influences, offering audiences a rare combination of musical mastery and heartfelt storytelling.Through his work, Ali preserves the sounds of his homeland while sharing a powerful story of resilience, hope, and the universal language of music.
Live Performance Review
"Ali Shkaki delivered one of the standout performances of this year’s Taranta Festival, earning a standing ovation from audiences and praise from organisers. His emotionally charged set at the Gala Concert featured commanding vocals and masterful tanbur playing, supported by his core ensemble Greg Sheehan, Emiliano Beltzer, and Laura Targett, along with guest artists Metin Yilmaz, Nawres Al-Freh, and Bobby Singh. The performance blended Kurdish musical heritage with contemporary world-music influences, highlighting Ali’s exceptional musicianship and the strong sense of connection he creates on stage. Audience feedback noted the cultural richness and artistry of the concert, reinforcing Ali’s reputation as a leading figure in Australia’s world-music scene."
Booking Information
Ali Shakaki is available for:
• Festivals
• Concerts
• Cultural and community events
• Workshops and masterclasses
• Collaborative performances
• Traditional Kurdish dance accompanimentWhether appearing solo or with his full ensemble, Ali brings musical mastery, emotional depth, and a culturally rich experience that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.For bookings and enquiries:
[email protected]
Performance Formats
Ali performs:
• Solo voice and tanbur
• As a trio or full ensemble with Greg Sheehan, Emiliano Beltzer, and Laura Targett
• With additional guest artists for world-music or cross-cultural collaborations
• As a guest musician joining existing bands or ensembles
• Providing traditional Kurdish music for dance performances and cultural eventsLine-ups are flexible and can be tailored to festival programming, acoustic stages, workshops, or collaborative projects.
