Bringing Devotion To The Dance Floor
Given his nearly fifty-year career, it would be tough to overstate Cheb i Sabbah’s contributions to the global music scene. A master of transcendence, from the religious to the rave, his music is both introspective and ecstatic. Now, the musician has been diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer. And, like many Americans, he’s uninsured. A new benefit album, Samaya, pulls together some of the brightest lights of world music to help save the life of a master – and a friend.
Why We Love It!
The two-disc album – in addition to supporting a wonderful cause – is fantastic. Featuring a little help from such luminary friends as Karsh Kale, Zakir Hussain, Nitin Sawhney, Vieux Farka Toure and more, it displays the effortless blend of the earthy and the electronic for which the DJ became famous. And even better: 100% of proceeds support Cheb i Sabbah’s ongoing medical care.
Samaya, translated, represents union of body, speech, and mind. It’s a fitting title for a fund that has helped to raise $75,000 so far to cover intensive chemotherapy. After being diagnosed in April 2011 with four months to live, Cheb i Sabbah now continues to receive traditional and alternative treatments financed by the generosity of those whose lives his music has touched.
The Takeaway
You can purchase several different combinations of CD, digital download, and autographed letter to fans at chebisabbah.com ($15.99-$25.99). Want to give more? You can donate directly to the musician’s treatment fund via his charitable giving page at Sweet Relief.
