Fraghum Bachani by Radio Baghdad

Radio Baghdad is a trio whose friendship and musical encounters go back more than a decade to the underground music scene of Tel Aviv. It is made up of Aviv Badri Ezra, Yaniv Masel and Johanna Riethmueller.

The Band: The Trio performs pieces from the vast repertoire of Iraqi music - a journey back to the roots of the trio’s singer - Aviv Badri - who was exposed to this music early as a child through his family and eventually started studying the music and poetry of his Iraqi roots. Yaniv and Johanna were exposed to the world of Iraqi Maqam through their encounter with a generation of great Iraqi musicians who migrated to Israel in the 1950’s.

The Music: Radio Baghdad presents songs and melodies which date back to the early 20th century and before, in their authentic form, while employing a sound that bridges the gap between the traditional and the contemporary, reflecting the member’s different influences. The band’s mission is to expose Israeli and international audiences to this precious and rare tradition, which has been almost forgotten about today.

Shows and Audience: Radio Baghdad’s performances transport the listener to the sounds of long, all-night Maqam performances in Baghdad and later in Ramat-Gan. The shows tell a story that reaches across the Middle East and through time, to the present. The band's ability to bridge diverse experiences is reflected by the crowds they draw: young people from social or musical circles sit side by side with an older generation of Iraqi migrants (as well as other diverse groups) who are touched by the music and the histories it traces.

First Album Release: The band released its first album “Fraghum Bachani” in November 2021 which is a set of traditional Maqam medleys. The “old-time” sonic aesthetic guiding the creation of the album seeks to create a timeless listener experience.

Radio Baghdad play traditional Iraqi music known as the Iraqi Maqam, which reached its peak in the early 20th century in Baghdad.
The trio's singer - Aviv Badri Ezra - was exposed to this music as a child through his Jewish-Iraqi family. Joining him are Violinist Johanna Riethmueller and Oud player Yaniv Masel. Together they give a new breath of life to this almost forgotten tradition.