Najib Alhoush

Born in the southern Libyan city of Wazin, Alhoush started his musical career in 1972. His first endeavor was forming the “Free Music Band”, which included famous saxophone player Salem Gebril, and guitarist Mohamed el Seyd. The band’s time spent in Italy helped in exploring new sounds and incorporating them into the canon of Libyan music. Their compositions were unique, in that they merged a variety of funk/disco sounds, as well as rock with Libyan Arabic poems and lyrics, which at that time was an unfamiliar tactic. The Free Music Band continued to make music until their break-up in the mid-80s and after a 6 LP discography. They would later beco- me a main influence for many artists such as Hamid el Shaery. Alhoush continued to make music as a solo artist in the 90s and 2000s, releasing several hits such as El Gharam, Yama Bakat Aeny and Ya Aen Dely (his version of Staying Alive by the Bee Gees), which is the song featured on the ""Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection from the Arab World (Part 2)"." compilation. He passed away in 2014, leaving behind a great repertoire of songs, which until this day, live in the memories and hearts of many.