Who Am I
Open to the world, Mohamed Najem crosses continents and creates an original sound and style on his clarinet, using classical techniques and an Arabic interpretation. His compositions, inspired by his grandfather's stories about his hometown, Jaffa, tell of his past, present and future. They reflect an eclectic combination of rythms and melodies which take the audience on a musical journey. Born in Jerusalem and raised in Bethlehem, Mohamed won the first prize in Arabic music at the Palestinian national competition in 2005. He started clarinet and ney at the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music (CNMES) in Palestine, and is a graduate of the Regional Conservatory (CRR) of Angers. He performed as a soloist for the Palestinian Youth Orchestra for several years. He has performed and recorded with various musical groups and projects, including traditional, popular and international classical ensembles, at local and international festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, La Défense Jazz Festival, Layali Birzeit, and the European Jazz Festival in Qatar. Mohamed recently released his second album, Jaffa Blossom, as a quartet.