Iraqi oud player Naseer Shamma – in pictures

  • At nearly 60, musician Naseer Shamma is still in awe of the short-neck, stringed instrument, the oud. All photos: AFP
    At nearly 60, musician Naseer Shamma is still in awe of the short-neck, stringed instrument, the oud. All photos: AFP
  • Speaking between rehearsals in Baghdad, he says: 'There is nostalgia here, with friends. I studied in Baghdad for six years and I always feel more comfortable when I play here.'
    Speaking between rehearsals in Baghdad, he says: 'There is nostalgia here, with friends. I studied in Baghdad for six years and I always feel more comfortable when I play here.'
  • His latest performances educate and entertain. 'Now we're playing to help education. We need to help Iraqi schools,' Mr Shamma says.
    His latest performances educate and entertain. 'Now we're playing to help education. We need to help Iraqi schools,' Mr Shamma says.
  • Mr Shamma hopes ' music... will change the soul of people'.
    Mr Shamma hopes ' music... will change the soul of people'.
  • While Iraq is still far from its cultural heyday of the 1970s and '80s, it has recently seen a fledgling renaissance, with art galleries opening and book fairs and festivals held.
    While Iraq is still far from its cultural heyday of the 1970s and '80s, it has recently seen a fledgling renaissance, with art galleries opening and book fairs and festivals held.
  • Despite the sluggish pace of Iraq's recovery and the political disputes that always threaten to erupt into violence, the musician is hopeful for change.
    Despite the sluggish pace of Iraq's recovery and the political disputes that always threaten to erupt into violence, the musician is hopeful for change.
  • "We need to close the bad past and start again a new life with a new memory and a new vision for the future," Mr Shamma says.
    "We need to close the bad past and start again a new life with a new memory and a new vision for the future," Mr Shamma says.