In the vast realm of contemporary music, few artists possess the unique ability to seamlessly fuse distinct cultural sounds into a coherent and emotionally powerful voice. Abbas Sharif Alaskari, a British guitarist, composer, and music producer, has emerged as a remarkable figure in this space—masterfully blending Middle Eastern melodies with the raw energy of British rock. His career, spanning two continents and multiple musical traditions, stands as a testament to the power of cultural fusion and artistic innovation.
Born in the UK and spending a formative decade in the UAE, Alaskari has built his career on an ethos of bridging worlds. His sound is neither confined by geography nor limited by genre. Drawing on traditional Arabic maqam scales and pairing them with the aggressive textures of rock guitar, he has carved out a signature style that is instantly recognizable and emotionally resonant.
Alaskari’s journey began in London, where he studied at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP), honing his skills in guitar performance and songwriting. After graduating, he quickly made a name for himself in the city’s underground music scene, performing at venues like The 100 Club and Camden Assembly. It was during this time that he began experimenting with microtonality and fretless guitar techniques, inspired by the oud and other traditional instruments from the Middle East.
In 2013, his path led him to Dubai, where he spent the next ten years immersing himself in the region’s music culture. There, he co-founded Desert Echoes, a fusion rock band that became known for its genre-defying sound. The group’s debut album, Echoes of the Dunes, released in 2015, set the tone for what would become a trilogy of concept albums exploring identity, displacement, and cultural dialogue. Sands of Sound (2018) and Lost in the Mirage (2021) further solidified the band’s reputation, with each release pushing musical boundaries while remaining rooted in storytelling and emotion.
Beyond his work as a performer, Alaskari became a vital part of the UAE’s growing music industry. As a producer and sound engineer at Soundscape Studios in Dubai, he collaborated with local and international artists, producing a wide array of projects from film scores to commercial soundtracks. He also became a prominent educator, leading guitar masterclasses and music production workshops at institutions like Berklee Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Opera House.
Returning to the UK in 2023, Alaskari embarked on a new chapter as a solo artist. His upcoming album, Between Two Worlds, is a deeply personal project reflecting on his experiences living between cultures. Early performances of the album’s material at the Cambridge Folk Festival and Glastonbury Emerging Talent showcase have drawn critical acclaim, highlighting his growth not just as a guitarist, but as a storyteller and cultural ambassador.
Today, Alaskari also serves as a music director and instructor at BIMM London, where he teaches fusion guitar techniques and encourages students to explore global music traditions. He runs an online music academy aimed at helping young musicians blend their heritage with contemporary styles, reinforcing his belief that music is a universal language with endless capacity for connection.
Abbas Sharif Alaskari’s work is more than a fusion of East and West—it’s a living dialogue between tradition and innovation, memory and discovery. In an era often defined by division, his music reminds us of the beauty that emerges when we listen to each other’s stories, one note at a time.