Azadoota
Gig Seeker Pro

Azadoota

Sydney, Australia | INDIE

Sydney, Australia | INDIE
Band World Latin

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"TWO OF US - Robin Zirwanda and Awimalk Haider"

Robin Zirwanda, 58, is an Assyrian singer-songwriter. His father, Awimalk Haider, 80, was a celebrated goalkeeper and musician in Iraq before he and his family migrated to Sydney in 1971. Today, Awimalk is a champion budgie breeder, and helps Robin write songs in Assyrian.
Robin's story
I was brought up by my grandparents in Iraq. My whole family lived together, but Dad worked all day at the American embassy as a clerk, then all night at a Baghdad nightclub playing guitar. He was very successful with his music; he was like the Tony Bennett of Baghdad. But because he was the sole earner in our big family, my three siblings and I hardly ever saw him. We didn't have a close relationship back then.
Dad's very talented; he always has to be the best at everything he does. Before I was born, through the '40s and '50s, he was a soccer star. There was no goalkeeper in history like him and everybody looked up to him, especially me. When I'd walk home from school, I used to get cuddled by so many women who used to fancy him!
When I was 17 my parents sent me to Kuwait, where I was able to get papers organised to move to Australia to avoid being conscripted to the army. I got questioned at the border and told them I was just going away for the school holidays, but I never went back. I arrived in Sydney alone and stayed with cousins in Randwick. Mum and Dad arrived six months later.
Three years later, we all moved up to Gove in Arnhem Land where you could earn really good money and save. Dad worked in a bauxite mine and I worked in a hospital with my brother and Mum as a cleaner. That was a very hard time for Dad: he went from being a music and soccer star in Iraq to having to start over working shifts, sometimes 18 hours a day. But my relationship with him got stronger at that point; everyone was working and contributing, so the pressure was gone and everyone started blending. Dad and I started fishing and doing a lot of sport together. I was playing soccer for the Northern Territory, and I joined my first band there.
Dad wanted me to save money for six months, then go back to Sydney and get married to some Assyrian girl he'd picked for me. In Assyrian culture, when your father tells you what to do, you do it; you don't break the rules. But I did. I came back to Sydney after three years and went to Kings Cross to play congos at the Mandarin Club. I met a beautiful Welsh singer there and we had the first of four children together when I was 25. Mum and Dad weren't too happy about that.
I really respect that Dad's commitment to the family has always been so solid. He's still so committed, but now it's to his budgies! He's represented NSW at the Australian National Budgerigar Championships and has hundreds of trophies lining his walls at home. He gets up at 5am every day to tend to them. Those budgies get treated like royalty; it's hilarious.
I have five children: four from my previous partner and a two-year-old son, Josh, with my wife, Elle. Dad's a great granddad, but I think he realises how much he missed out on when he sees me with Josh.
Today, I front a world-music band called Azadoota, and Dad helps me with my songwriting. I sing in Arabic and Assyrian, so Dad helps a lot. He's a stickler for grammar and pronunciation, whereas I take a fair bit of artistic licence. And he's always at me to sing in English, so people can understand what I'm saying. So we're both perfectionists, but have totally different ideas of what perfect is.
We didn't connect that well before, but now we do, thanks to the music. When we're making music together, we're almost speaking a different language that only we understand.
Awimalk's story
When Robin was born, I was the happiest person on earth. He was so handsome and I used to play with him whenever I had spare time. But when he got a bit older, I was working day and night. It was very difficult and there wasn't much time to look after our four children, but I had to make money for my family and my retired parents. I wish I could have spent more time with him when he was growing up.
When Robin was a teenager, I had to get him out of Iraq because he was about to be conscripted and he probably would have been killed fighting in a war. My sister was in Kuwait with her husband, so Robin stayed with them before migrating to Australia. I came to Australia a few months later and we were all together again. But that six months apart was very hard; I'd always think, "I hope he's okay, I hope he doesn't get spoiled."
Robin had a love of music and soccer; he followed in my footsteps, which made me very happy and proud. I was always having to chase after him and find him because he'd sneak off to play soccer all the time instead of studying!
When we moved to Arnhem Land, we also fished together a lot. He used to try to catch sharks: he'd use big hooks with big fish on them, and sometimes he'd actually land them! He loved a challenge, he still does.
Today, he challenges himself by si - Good Weekend Magazine


"National Folk Festival performance review"

Folk festival moment: Dancing to an Assyrian group who cite Flamenco as an influence, I'm squeezed between a couple of bellydancers and an old guy with long white hair. There's a couple of emo kids behind me, a girl with a black leather corset and a red satin skirt (I didn't see a burlesque sideshow, but it didn't mean there wasn't one). Someone puts their two year old on the stage wearing noise reduction headphones, and the singer serenades him in Assyrian, before handing the kid the mic for the chorus. This place is the best sort of crazy. It was magic. One of those sets where the crowd and the band were feeding off each other's energy. When the little kid finished singing, the band dropped from euro-belly-pop into full-on dance, and I swear everyone started jumping like the mosh at a Prodigy gig. - Private blog post


"Click here to listen to a selection of radio interviews."

8 recent radio interviews are available to listen to in the Press Room section of Azadoota's website. - Various


"Click here to listen to a selection of radio interviews."

8 recent radio interviews are available to listen to in the Press Room section of Azadoota's website. - Various


"Profile in Drum Media's Jazz/World column Blow."

Azadoota springs into Summer with compelling new album Beyond Bridges. It's a heady fusion of Middle Eastern beats and Flamenco with a twist of latin, pop and reggae. Blow talks to Robin Zirwanda, lead singer, percussionist and songwriter of Azadoota.

Who were your influences when writing Beyond Bridges?

Although this album is really contemporary, I think the subtle influences that define it come from much older sources. With this album I have been able to capture a feature of Iraqi music that I’ve always imagined in my songs, but never quite been able to explain to a guitarist.

How important to you is bridging together the cultures in Australia, and in Iraq?

We are fortunate to live in a beautiful country that welcomes migrants, and it’s our responsibility to respect and honour this country for the opportunities it affords us. I feel very strongly that it’s our responsibility to make sure our kids grow up in Australia without knowing hatred.

Your favourite song on Beyond Bridges and why?

I think Nishra. It’s the first song we recorded for the album and it combines all the quintessential Azadoota elements. It starts with the teaser on the oud, then it moves to a pop feel for the verses and chorus, then it has a bit of vocal improv and the Latin Montuno at the end.

How will you be celebrating Australia Day besides performing?

We’re performing at the Darling Harbour and Marrickville celebrations - which have both chosen to present multicultural entertainment. I don’t think there’s a better way to celebrate the fact that we live in a beautiful, peaceful, free country than to be invited to share our own culture by performing on Australia Day. - Drum Media


"Beyond Bridges CD Review in Rhythms"

Beyond Bridges is the second album from Azadoota, a Sydney-based
world fusion band formed and fronted by the charismatic Iraqi
singer-songwriter and percussionist, Robin Zirwanda. The leader delivers his stories of persecution, pride, regret and hope mostly in his native Assyrian language, mixing traditional folk dance rhythms (dabke)
with contemporary grooves. His countryman Ahmed Al Karawi lends
classy support on acoustic and electric oud, mirroring the lead vocal
melody lines. Chris Duff’s flamenco guitar complements both. As with
Azadoota’s 2008 debut release, Planetarian, Latin and reggae mingle
with Middle Eastern and Arabic rhythms on several songs. The tail-end
tracks veer towards the pop side of the fence, culminating with a ballad part-sung in English (‘Destiny’) that seems at variance with the rest of the set. - Rhythms Magazine


"Beyond Bridges CD Review in Rhythms"

Beyond Bridges is the second album from Azadoota, a Sydney-based
world fusion band formed and fronted by the charismatic Iraqi
singer-songwriter and percussionist, Robin Zirwanda. The leader delivers his stories of persecution, pride, regret and hope mostly in his native Assyrian language, mixing traditional folk dance rhythms (dabke)
with contemporary grooves. His countryman Ahmed Al Karawi lends
classy support on acoustic and electric oud, mirroring the lead vocal
melody lines. Chris Duff’s flamenco guitar complements both. As with
Azadoota’s 2008 debut release, Planetarian, Latin and reggae mingle
with Middle Eastern and Arabic rhythms on several songs. The tail-end
tracks veer towards the pop side of the fence, culminating with a ballad part-sung in English (‘Destiny’) that seems at variance with the rest of the set. - Rhythms Magazine


"Planetarian CD review in FolkWorld"

Azadoota "Planetarian"
Label: Own label; 2008
I have to admit that I wasn’t in the best mood this morning when I got out of bed. It was cold, there was snow and I had to get out of bed for the children a few times during the night. Typically such a morning that I rather would have stayed in bed. But…that’s impossible with two young children. After breakfast I picked this CD by Azadoota blind out of the pile of the review cd’s, probably the best thing I could do. Sunny, inventive and well played music streamed into my ear and I have to say, I feel much better now! Azadoota is a multi-cultural band with musicians from Iraq, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Over ten musicians bring music without borders. Funky Latin, melodic Arabic, European pop and jazz all brought together in one big melting pot of sounds. I love the title song Azadoota with this great electronic break in the middle. Another highlight is Get Up, one of the more middle-eastern style songs. The band at its best. A really good composition with fantastic vocals and music. In this song it all comes together, pure passion! Azadoota is exactly what life is. Sometimes funky and sunny, but on other moments more introvert and serious. A strong debut by this world-collective.
- Eelco Schilder - Folkworld


"Planetarian CD review in FolkWorld"

Azadoota "Planetarian"
Label: Own label; 2008
I have to admit that I wasn’t in the best mood this morning when I got out of bed. It was cold, there was snow and I had to get out of bed for the children a few times during the night. Typically such a morning that I rather would have stayed in bed. But…that’s impossible with two young children. After breakfast I picked this CD by Azadoota blind out of the pile of the review cd’s, probably the best thing I could do. Sunny, inventive and well played music streamed into my ear and I have to say, I feel much better now! Azadoota is a multi-cultural band with musicians from Iraq, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Over ten musicians bring music without borders. Funky Latin, melodic Arabic, European pop and jazz all brought together in one big melting pot of sounds. I love the title song Azadoota with this great electronic break in the middle. Another highlight is Get Up, one of the more middle-eastern style songs. The band at its best. A really good composition with fantastic vocals and music. In this song it all comes together, pure passion! Azadoota is exactly what life is. Sometimes funky and sunny, but on other moments more introvert and serious. A strong debut by this world-collective.
- Eelco Schilder - Folkworld


"Planetarian 4-star CD review in Limelight"

Azadoota (Assyrian for "freedom") is a hardworking, Sydney-based multicultural party band, led by Iraqi musician Robin Zirwanda. With other members hailing from Latin American, Asian and European backgrounds, Azadoota's sound is a true hybrid of contemporary musical cultures, owing as much to Western pop as it does to its more exotic influences. The Arabic vibe dominates on tracks like "Bruni", "Habaniya" and "El Balil", but gives way to African soukous flavours on the title track, and the Latin phrasings that permeate "Doola Teela" and the tongue-in-cheek "Jimmy Barnes Samba". Planetarian is a tight, tasty smorgasbord of locally produced worldbeat.
Four stars.
- Seth Jordan - Limelight Magazine


"Beyond Bridges 4-star CD review in Limelight"

Led by Assyrian singer/percussionist Robin Zirwanda, Azadoota has been a part of Sydney's World Music scene for many years. The band's latest recruit is classically-trained Iraqi oud player Ahmed Al-Karawi, wo adds an extra layer of authenticity to their sound. Combining traditional dabke music with flamenco, latin pop and rock influences, Azadoota are at their best on tracks like Shakita and Teela Dana, where Al-Karawi goes note-for-note with guitarist Chris Duff. Zirwanda's passionate vocals are delivered ina mix odf Assyrian, Arabic and English, with his translated lyrics speaking of love, family and betrayal.
4 stars.
- Seth Jordan - Limelight Magazine


"Beyond Bridges 4-star CD review in Limelight"

Led by Assyrian singer/percussionist Robin Zirwanda, Azadoota has been a part of Sydney's World Music scene for many years. The band's latest recruit is classically-trained Iraqi oud player Ahmed Al-Karawi, wo adds an extra layer of authenticity to their sound. Combining traditional dabke music with flamenco, latin pop and rock influences, Azadoota are at their best on tracks like Shakita and Teela Dana, where Al-Karawi goes note-for-note with guitarist Chris Duff. Zirwanda's passionate vocals are delivered ina mix odf Assyrian, Arabic and English, with his translated lyrics speaking of love, family and betrayal.
4 stars.
- Seth Jordan - Limelight Magazine


"Beyond Bridges 4-star review in The Australian"

Beyond Bridges (Azadoota)
BY: MICHAEL ROFE
From: The Australian January 14, 2012

LISTENING to this infectious, foot-tapping, hand clapping, body-whirling slice of exotic rhythms, it is interesting to reflect on the influences that make up the cultural musical mix of Australia, far from the pop scene which garners most publicity and reward.

Azadoota (meaning freedom in Assyrian), formed in 1998 by frontman, singer and percussionist Robin Zirwanda, combines the oud (Arabic lute) of virtuoso Ahmed Al-Karawi, with the flamenco guitars of Chris Duff and Alvin Ash's bass, and drums from Joey Pangilinan. Migrating to Australia, Zirwanda worked in the mines at Nhulunbuy, and then in Sydney joined the music scene.

Beyond Bridges is the second disc after debut album Planetarian in 2008, and it is a bubbling hybrid of Iraqi and Arabic rhythms, with touches of flamenco and latin and reggae sounds, all made special by the partnership of Al-Karawi's oud and Zirwanda's percussion. Highlights are Nishra, with its desire to return to the homeland to see loved ones, and Teela Dana with its vibrant flamenco swirl. With a tour schedule set along the East Coast for the next few months, including the Illawarra Folk Festival this weekend at Bulli, Australia Day celebrations in Sydney and the National Folk Festival in Canberra, audiences will delight in this vibrant fusion.
LABEL: Planet
RATING: 4 stars - The Australian


"Australia Day: songs of freedom"

Australia Day: songs of freedom
25 JAN 12 @ 08:30AM BY LAUREN MURADA

CELEBRATING multiculturalism is part of Australia Day and there couldn’t be a better band than Azadoota to do it with.

The world music band will perform at Marrickville Council’s Australia Day celebrations at Enmore Park.

Lilyfield musician Robin Zirwanda sings in his native tongue of Assyrian (from Iraq) and occasionally in Arabic. The singer and percussionist’s sounds are infectious, even though there might be a language barrier.

“People don’t understand what I’m saying but they still jump up and down,” Zirwanda said.

He will be joined on the stage by musicians of different nationalities and backgrounds and together they fuse the sounds of Middle Eastern music with pop, reggae, flamenco and Latin.

Zirwanda says Azadoota is the Assyrian word for “freedom” and much of the band’s music is inspired by freedom.

“It affects the emotion, happiness and appreciation of the music, the fact that we can be free,” he said.
- Inner Western Courier


"Australia Day: songs of freedom"

Australia Day: songs of freedom
25 JAN 12 @ 08:30AM BY LAUREN MURADA

CELEBRATING multiculturalism is part of Australia Day and there couldn’t be a better band than Azadoota to do it with.

The world music band will perform at Marrickville Council’s Australia Day celebrations at Enmore Park.

Lilyfield musician Robin Zirwanda sings in his native tongue of Assyrian (from Iraq) and occasionally in Arabic. The singer and percussionist’s sounds are infectious, even though there might be a language barrier.

“People don’t understand what I’m saying but they still jump up and down,” Zirwanda said.

He will be joined on the stage by musicians of different nationalities and backgrounds and together they fuse the sounds of Middle Eastern music with pop, reggae, flamenco and Latin.

Zirwanda says Azadoota is the Assyrian word for “freedom” and much of the band’s music is inspired by freedom.

“It affects the emotion, happiness and appreciation of the music, the fact that we can be free,” he said.
- Inner Western Courier


"Beyond Bridges CD review in FolkWorld"

Translated from the German original (below).

When we talk about Australian music, images of surfing come to mind. We think of Kylie, and at best, the Aboriginal didgeridoo sounds. You certainly don’t think of Arabic music. But Australia is a country of immigrants, and so you can also find traces of Arab culture on this continent. Arab music, interlaced with pop elements, Latin music and a reggae track all feature on the CD "Beyond Bridges" from the Iraqi Assyrian Robin Zirwanda. He sings his songs in Assyrian, Arabic, and finds space to include some English by the end of the CD. It doesn’t matter that we don’t understand most of the words on the album. Instead the music is catchy and with its exotic Arabic / Assyrian melodies, definitely not your run-of-the-mill pop music. The CD builds a harmonious bridge between Arabia, Latin America and Australia. Songs like "Tadoor Ali" and "Kiss Me Kiss Me" are just the thing for the world music and reggae dance-floor. "Hey Maro" would surely work in any language - as well as in Robin Zirwanda’s. That one can play a traditional Arabic instrument like the Oud in flamenco style is proven convincingly by Ahmed Al Karawi in the song "Teela Dana". "Beyond Bridges" is a successful cultural tour and absolutely deserves the term world music.
© Karsten Rube

Wenn man von australischer Musik spricht, kommen Bilder vom Surfen in den Sinn. Man denkt an Kylie und bestenfalls noch an die Didgeridoo-Klänge der Ureinwohner. Ganz sicher wird man nicht an arabische Musik denken. Doch Australien ist ein Land der Einwanderer und so finden sich auch Spuren der arabischen Kultur auf diesem Kontinent. Arabische Musik, gestreckt mit Popelementen, Latinmusik und einer Spur Reggae hören wir auf der CD "Beyond Bridges" des aus dem Irak stammenden Assyrers Robin Zirwanda. Er singt seine Songs auf Assyrisch, zum Teil auf Arabisch und räumt zum Ende der CD auch dem Englischen etwas Platz ein. Es macht nichts, dass man über weite Strecken des Albums kein Wort versteht, dafür ist die Musik eingängig und mit seinen exotischen arabisch/assyrischen Melodien kein Allerweltspop. Die CD schlägt eine sehr harmonisch wirkende Brücke zwischen Arabien, Lateinamerika und Australien. Songs wie "Tadoor Ali"und "Kiss Me Kiss me" sind wie gemacht für den Worldmusic-Dancefloor und der Reggae "Hey Maro" funktioniert sicher in jeder Sprache - so auch in der Robin Zirwandas. Dass man mit einem klassischen arabischen Instrument wie dem Oud Flamenco spielen kann, beweist der Gitarrist Ahmed Al Karawi im Titel "Teela Dana" überzeugend. "Beyond Bridges" ist eine gelungene kulturelle Wanderung und verdient unbedingt den Begriff Weltmusik.
© Karsten Rube - FolkWorld


"CD Review on Mediasearch"

MediaSearch: Music, Film and Fashion in Australia
Artist: Azadoota
Title: Planetarian
Recording Label: Planet/MGM
Recording Type: Album
Reviewer: Carmine Pascuzzi

The word “Azadoota” means Freedom" in the Assyrian language. This album celebrates this theme with a blend of frenetic and energetic party sounds. The band's line-up crosses various cultures, which further enriches the sound into addictive flavours. Led by Robin Zirwanda (of Iraqi descent), the writing takes on various meanings and principles. The mix of styles is sure to create a melodic and multi-layered feel on the live stage, igniting the engaging rhythms of large proportions. - MediaSearch.com.au


Discography

"Beyond Bridges" - 2011
Distributed through Planet/MGM.

"Planetarian" - 2008
Distributed through Planet/MGM.

Photos

Bio

With the familiarity of pop-rock, the spicy heat of Latin rhythms and the mysterious sounds of an ancient language, Azadoota rouse unsuspecting pub-goers to their feet and onto dance-floors across the world.

Pitching their music directly at a mainstream audience, Azadoota hit the pub circuit for the first time back in 1996, making them one of Australias longest-established Worldbeat bands.

Songwriter and front man Robin Zirwanda is a native of Iraq, where his people, the Assyrians, can trace their ancestors back nearly 7000 years. He sings in his native Assyrian Neo-Aramaic language, once the lingua franca of the civilised world but now considered to be in danger of extinction.

The band perform a repertoire of catchy originals, which extends from percussive dance tunes to sexy love songs, to solid funk, roots-rock and a touch of reggae - always conveying an irrepressible sense of celebration.

Robins musical background as a percussionist is clearly evident as he fronts the band with timbales and doumbek his tools of trade, twirling his drumsticks as he switches effortlessly from Cuban rhythms to those of his home country.

In costumes derived from Ancient Assyrian dress, traditional folk dance costume and contemporary street wear, the band draw the audience in with theatrical musicality, presenting a tight, well-crafted and highly entertaining show.

Azadootas two commercial releases, 2008s Planetarian and 2011s Beyond Bridges have garnered rave reviews at home and overseas. The band have performed at a diverse range of venues, from the tiniest bush halls to the most well-known festivals.

The spirit of their music spans genres and generations; bikies start bopping, folkies let loose, emo kids smile and hippies go berserk whenever Azadoota take the stage.

___________________________________________

Robin has so much talent! My favourite gig of 2012.
- Frank Italiano, Program and Agency Manager, Kulcha.

"Azadoota is vibrant traditional and modern fusion with an infectious lyrical and percussive passion. The crowds at our folk festivals are up and dancing when they start. One of the best world music sounds Ive heard!"
- David De Santi, Artistic Director Illawarra Folk Festival & Perisher Snowy Mountains of Music

"It was magic. One of those sets where the crowd and the band were feeding off each other's energy. When the band dropped from euro-belly-pop into full-on dance, I swear everyone started jumping like the mosh at a Prodigy gig."
- National Folk Festival review

"The music was brilliant and exceeded all my expectations. Very Middle Eastern yet vibrant and contemporary a real celebration of our cultural diversity and wonderful entertainment for the large crowds on the day."
- Sal Sharah, Darling Harbour Australia Day Celebrations

"You guys really do rock - and you are going from strength to super-strength. More power to you. Keep up the great work and congratulations on being totally amazing. You really do make this world a better place every day."
- Howard Bell, Amnesty International