Wishamalii is an exceptional trio where Arabic modes, Nordic aesthetics, and deep global music experience converge. The group features Palestinian-Jordanian singer and oud player Nemat Battah, Finnish pianist and composer Kari Ikonen, and Ethiopian-born Finnish percussionist Abdissa “Mamba” Assefa.
Their music blends Arabic maqam tradition with open-ended composition and rich interplay. Ikonen’s invention, the Maqiano™ microtuning system, allows him to play micro-intervals on an acoustic piano – a technical breakthrough that opens entirely new sonic possibilities.
The name Wishamalii refers to the Arab-Andalusian Muwashah vocal tradition, though most of the band’s repertoire is original music composed specifically for this trio. The group’s acclaimed debut album Al-Bahr was released by the German label Nordic Notes in autumn 2024.

**Wishamalii** is an exceptional trio where Arabic modes, Nordic aesthetics, and deep global music experience converge. The group features Palestinian-Jordanian singer and oud player **Nemat Battah**, Finnish pianist and composer **Kari Ikonen**, and Ethiopian-born Finnish percussionist **Abdissa “Mamba” Assefa**.

Their music blends Arabic maqam tradition with open-ended composition and rich interplay. Ikonen’s invention, the Maqiano™ microtuning system, allows him to play micro-intervals on an acoustic piano – a technical breakthrough that opens entirely new sonic possibilities.

The name Wishamalii refers to the Arab-Andalusian Muwashah vocal tradition, though most of the band’s repertoire is original music composed specifically for this trio. The group’s acclaimed debut album _Al-Bahr_ was released by the German label Nordic Notes in autumn 2024.

Wishamalii

English

Suomi

Hassan Maikal & Sointi Jazz Orchestra