Queen of Sheba is a musical journey composed by Ibrahim Maalouf, written by Angélique Kidjo, and interpreted by the two artists, in their first ever collaboration. Three-time Grammy winner Kidjo is a creative force with thirteen albums to her name, who was called ‘Africa’s premier diva’ by Time Magazine. French-Lebanese trumpeter, composer, and innovator Maalouf, who was North Sea Jazz’s Artist in Residence only two years ago, is noted for playing Arabic music with quarter tones on the trumpet, made possible by a fourth valve on his instrument. He and singer Kidjo have both released glowing musical tributes to the great women of the world, and are now honoring the legend that is the Queen of Sheba together. An exciting mix of the cultures, melodies and rhythms of both artists, this performance promises to be extraordinary. In Rotterdam they will bring their project to the stage with a band and the 64-member orchestra Casco Philharmonic, conducted by Maalouf himself.
