Oktoécho presents its
new album Transcestral

Sufi and native music meet in a sublime common quest for harmony!

January 11, 2022

After last autumn’s concert that was at times lively, at times moving, Oktoécho presents its new album Transcestral, a true hymn to life. As of January 21, the public is invited to discover it on digital platforms and on Oktoécho’s official website.

An original creation of the Oktoécho ensemble, the album Transcestral brings together artists, singers and poets from different backgrounds: six Aboriginal communities (Ojibwe, Innu, Metis, Inuit, Nakoda, Dene) and Sufis are represented.

Known for their unique and original expression and commitment, Innu poet Josephine Bacon, Sufi singer Anouar Barrada, Métis singer Moe Clark, Inuit throat singer Nina Segalowitz, and powwow singers Buffalo Hat Singers (Norman Achneepineskum) and Eya-Hey Nakoda (Anders Hunter), come together with artistic director Katia Makdissi-Warren to celebrate this shared memory.

Transcestral brings together the sacred ancestral traditions of Sufi trance music and the indigenous music of Canada.

“Transcestral took its first steps 10 years ago, born of the passion I have for Arabic, Indigenous, classical, contemporary and jazz music. My love of these different cultures has made me meet unique people and artists who, throughout this project, have helped me live a shared human experience overflowing with beauty”, says Mrs. Katia Makdissi-Warren.

Transmission, ancestral memories, trance, the state between trance and consciousness…this work highlights the perpetual quest for harmony between man and nature, drawing inspiration from sacred music and dances from Sufi and Indigenous traditions from across Turtle Island (Canada).

‘Transmission, ancestral memories, trance, the state between trance and awakening… this work highlights the perpetual quest for harmony between man and nature.’

The compositions on the album sometimes feature Sufi singing and sometimes pow wow singing, but each piece expresses the spirit of the encounter. The music is not sacred, but inspired by ceremonial music. Commonalities such as Earth music, Healing, Tribute are at the heart of this album.

Trancestral, Oktoécho’s 5th album

Oktoécho has five albums to its credit: Éponyme, La 5e route bleue, At The Top (Burj Khalifa), Saimaniq and Trancestral, to be available on January 21st 2022. Though the compositions included in this album may sometimes highlight Sufi singing and at other times pow-wow singing, each song expresses the spirit of gathering. The music is not sacred, though it is inspired by ceremonial music. Earth, Healing and Homage are some of the common themes at the heart of this album.

The public is invited to discover this new album on digital platforms and on Oktoécho’s official Website.

Here are 3 tracks from the album to discover on digital platforms.

TRACK 1
niki pawâtin (I had a dream)

Performed by Métis singer Moe Clark in the Plains Cree language. Composed by Moe Clark, Cheryl l’Hirondelle, Joseph Naytowhow. Arrangement: Katia Makdissi-Warren.

TRACK 2
Ode à la terre

The singer Anouar Barrada and the Buffalo Hat Singers unite through melodies inspired by the traditions of both cultures (Sufi and Powow singing and drumming). Composed by Katia Makdissi-Warren (Lebanon/Quebec), Norman Achneepineskum (Ojibwe).

TRACK 3
Nomadic Hunter

Music in the style of singing and pow-wow drums performed by the Buffalo Hat Singers revisited in orchestration and rhythmic of the United Arab Emirates. Composed by Norman Achneepineskum (Ojibwe) and Katia Makdissi-Warren (Lebanon/Quebec).

Images: Michel Pineault

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