Description
Baklava Express:
Baklava Express is a New York City-based cross cultural ensemble lead by award wining composer and oud player, Josh Kaye. The group perform original compositions deeply rooted in a rich tapestry of diverse traditions, drawing strong inspiration from the liturgical music of Ashkenazi and Mizrahi communities, Ottoman classical music, and the folk traditions of the wider Mediterranean. Through the seamless fusion of these traditions, Baklava Express crafts a sound that feels both timeless and contemporary, and in doing so, the band builds musical bridges, connecting listeners from diverse backgrounds.
Without a single word spoken, Baklava Express invites listeners into a world where music itself is the common language. Each piece is an invitation to find your own story and emotion within the sound, and audiences from all walks of life often discover that the music feels like a reflection of “home,” no matter where that home may be. In this way, Baklava Express creates a shared space of connection, memory, and cultural harmony, all through the power of instrumental music.
Baklava Express has been featured at several festivals including the Brooklyn International Music Festival, the Greek Jewish Festival, the Nyack Jazz Festival, and their music can be heard on the soundtrack of the short, animated film “Ariel” by Conor Mcfinn. Baklava Express’ debut album, “Dávka” was released in 2023, and their upcoming album, “Sababa” is on track to drop in mid 2026.
Naji Soul:
Based in New Jersey, Naji Soul is a singer and songwriter whose music bridges continents and cultures, blending World and Afro-Pop influences with a deeply personal touch. Born with a natural flair for melody and rhythm, he has carved a unique sound that reflects both his Moroccan roots and his global outlook.
Naji Soul is not only a gifted vocalist but also a creative director, having led the production of numerous music videos. His presence has been felt across television and radio platforms, where he has been invited several times to share his artistic journey.
His debut album, “Whispers From Morocco,” is a vibrant mosaic of cultures and sounds. The standout track “Kolo Nga Yan” became a viral hit, inspiring over 2000 remixes by artists and producers from around the world — a true testament to the universal appeal of his music.
With lyrics written in Amazigh (Berber), Darija (Moroccan Arabic), French, and English, Naji Soul crafts songs that are both intimate and universal. Inspired by his lived experiences, his words carry messages that are real, sincere, and relatable, resonating across borders and generations.
Known for his magnetic live performances, Naji Soul continues to captivate audiences with his band, offering an exotic and immersive musical experience. His stage presence, voice, and storytelling invite listeners into a world where tradition meets modernity, and where music becomes a journey of the soul.