Multi-instrumentalist Chakib Hilali is noted for his exquisite feeling, playing Arabic music on a dizzying number of different instruments, which he switches between with consummate ease. Instruments he plays most often include oud (Arabic Lute), ney (end-blown flute), violin, riq (Arabic Tambourine), and oriental keyboards. He is also an expressive vocalist.
Chakib grew up in Casablanca, Morocco, born into a family of musicians who took him along to performances from a very young age. While in Morocco he founded a small ensemble, which began with four musicians, and grew to eleven members. He also performed oud with an Arabic orchestra called Ferqat al Ma'arif.
Chakib was studying oud (Arabic lute) at the Conservatory of Music in Casablanca, but his studies were cut short at the age of 21, when he had an opportunity to immigrate to the US. Initially he lived in Denver, Colorado, where he became a key member of the Saltanah Middle Eastern Music Ensemble, and also performed in concerts with Lebanese percussionist Souhail Kaspar, Naser Musa, Georges Lamam, Yair Dalal and others. Chakib also plays North African Rai music with singer Reda Ray. In 2005,Chakib was invited to perform and teach at the Mendocino Middle Eastern Music & Dance Camp. He taught Morrocan percussion on a variety of instruments, and a style of Moroccan singing known as "Shaabi".
Chakib enjoys playing many styles of Arabic music, from classical Arabic music, Tarab, Moroccan music, folk music of the Arab countries, belly dance music, and Rai - a modern style that fuses western instruments with North African rhythms and melodies. In additional to being a skilled and emotive player, Chakib has the ability to take a group of musicians and help them to sound their best through arrangements and subtle touches that come from his deep appreciation for classical Arabic music. His ability to pick up new material quickly and his natural tendancy to play in a complimentary manner with others puts him in demand as a guest or support musician for visiting singers and soloists.
Now based in Alexandria, Virginia (in the Washington DC area), Chakib is available for performances, lessons and workshops
