"Will watch the football if I have time"

Anna Margrét Björnsson

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Anna Margrét Björnsson

Syrian musician Omar Souleyman went from a wedding singer in Syria to international fame, working with western artists such as Björk and Gorillaz. He's the desert version of Alan Vega and may possibly be the coolest man on earth. 

Souleyman, who is a living legend in Syria, fled his country when civil war broke out and currently lives in Turkey. 

Souleyman is gracing Reykjavik with his presence this weekend and will be performing at the Húrra venue tonight. 

Iceland Monitor asked him a few questions. 

When did you realise that music would be your life?

I have been singing and music is my life since the beginning, but perhaps twenty years ago it looked like it would be the main thing for me. 

You have performed in Iceland before at the Sónar music festival, how was that experience and how was the crowd?

Yes, it was a good time. It was very cold I remember, but the audience was very warm. 

Could you tell us how your collaboration with Björk came about?

Björk wanted some remixes of her album, but I could only record my songs, so I did. I gave her three songs and then she worked on them and made them her own way.

Are there any other Icelandic artists you would like to work with?

No, I don't know any, I'm so sorry. 

Your music is influenced by lots of forms and styles from the region, how did you come about using an electronic synth for the sound?

I didn't really start using the electronics, that is a particular trend for our music, popular music, in our region. Everyone uses the electronic keyboards, not only me. 

You always wear sunglasses on stage, are you inspired by artsits such as Lou Reed / Velvet Underground for your cool asthetic?

No, I don't know who they are. 

What‘s the strangest place you have travelled to to perform a concert?

Oh, there have been so many. It's hard to think of it right now. I've performed under water, on beaches. Not so strange really. But always new places.

Do you have any plans for your visit to Iceland aside the performance?

Not really but I will watch football if I have time. 

Is there any Western music that you listen to or that you are influenced by?

No. There is no Western influence in my music.

For tickets and more info check out the Facebook event HERE.   The venue opens at 9 pm. 

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