Biography
Ibrahim Maalouf, born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1980, is a French-Lebanese trumpeter, composer, arranger, and producer celebrated for his innovative fusion of jazz, Arabic music, classical, and contemporary genres. Raised in a family of musicians—his father, Nassim Maalouf, is a renowned trumpeter and his mother a pianist—Maalouf began trumpet lessons at age seven under his father's guidance. The family relocated to Paris during the Lebanese Civil War, where Ibrahim's musical education flourished, including studies at the Conservatoire de Paris. He was influenced early by both Western classical and Middle Eastern musical traditions, notably learning to play the quarter-tone trumpet, which allows for the nuanced scales of Arabic music.
Maalouf's career is marked by a series of international trumpet competition victories and collaborations with a diverse array of artists, including Sting, Quincy Jones, Angélique Kidjo, Vanessa Paradis, and Salif Keita. His debut solo album, 'Diasporas,' was released in 2007, and he has since produced over a dozen acclaimed albums, such as 'Diagnostic' (2011), 'Illusions' (2013), and 'Red & Black Light' (2015). Maalouf's music is recognized for its intricate blend of improvisational jazz, Arabic melodies, and classical structures, often performed on his signature four-valve trumpet. His global appeal has led him to perform at prestigious venues worldwide, and in 2022, he became the first Lebanese instrumentalist nominated for a Grammy Award for his collaboration with Angélique Kidjo on 'Queen of Sheba.'
Maalouf's legacy lies in his role as a cultural bridge, using music to foster dialogue between Arab and Western worlds. He has been honored as a UNESCO Young Artist for Intercultural Dialogue and remains a leading figure in contemporary jazz and world music, inspiring a new generation of musicians with his cross-genre experimentation and technical mastery.
Fun Facts
- Maalouf plays a custom four-valve trumpet, invented by his father, allowing him to perform quarter-tones essential to Arabic music.
- He initially considered a career in science and mathematics before Maurice André encouraged him to focus on music.
- In 2016, Maalouf became the first jazz musician to sell out France's largest concert hall, the Accor Arena in Paris Bercy.
- He has composed film scores and music for both small ensembles and large symphonic orchestras.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Nassim Maalouf - Father and first trumpet teacher; introduced Ibrahim to the quarter-tone trumpet and Arabic musical traditions. (Early performances, foundational technique) [1987–present]
- Maurice André - World-renowned classical trumpeter; mentor to Nassim Maalouf and advisor to Ibrahim, encouraging him to pursue a music career. (Guidance, career advice) [1990s]
- Gérard Boulanger - Trumpet teacher at the Conservatoire de Paris. (Classical training) [1990s]
- Antoine Curé - Trumpet teacher at the Conservatoire de Paris. (Classical training) [1990s]
Key Collaborators
- Sting - Collaborated on live performances and recordings, blending jazz with pop and world music. (Live concerts, collaborative projects) [2010s–present]
- Angélique Kidjo - Co-created the Grammy-nominated album 'Queen of Sheba.' (Queen of Sheba (2022)) [2022]
- Quincy Jones - Mentor and promoter; supported Maalouf's international exposure. (Live events, artistic promotion) [2017–present]
- Vanessa Paradis - Collaborated on performances and recordings. (Live concerts, studio sessions) [2010s]
- Salif Keita - Collaborated on cross-cultural music projects. (Live and studio collaborations) [2010s]
- Lhasa de Sela - Collaborated on performances and recordings. (Live concerts, studio sessions) [2000s–2010s]
Artists Influenced
- Younger French and Middle Eastern jazz musicians - Inspired by Maalouf's use of the quarter-tone trumpet and his genre-blending style. (Emerging artists' albums and performances) [2010s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dalida By Ibrahim Maalouf | 2017-11-17 | Album |
| Illusions | 2013-11-05 | Album |
| L'Enfant Sacré De Belle Vue, Pt 2 | 2025-06-08 | Album |
| Trumpets of Michel-Ange | 2024-09-20 | Album |
| The Game | 2023-04-28 | Album |
| 40 Melodies | 2020-11-06 | Album |
| S3NS | 2019-09-27 | Album |
| Sunset In The Blue (Deluxe Version) | 2021-04-16 | Album |
| All Glows | 2018-04-13 | Album |
Top Tracks
- True Sorry (Illusions)
- Solidarité (Lamomali)
- J'attendrai (Dalida By Ibrahim Maalouf)
- Una Rosa Blanca (S3NS)
- Laissez-moi danser (Dalida By Ibrahim Maalouf)
- Cascades
- Love Song (Sunset In The Blue (Deluxe Version))
- Pa Lé (Soleil Kréyol)
- Free Spirit - Duo Version (40 Melodies)
- Paroles paroles (Dalida By Ibrahim Maalouf)
External Links
Tags: #classical, #jazz, #jazz-fusion
References
Heard on WWOZ
ibrahim maalouf has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 22, 2025 | 17:44 | everything or nothingfrom diagnostic | World Journeyw/ Logan | |
| Nov 22, 2025 | 16:57 | hashish | World Journeyw/ Logan | |
| Sep 17, 2025 | 06:23 | Doubtsfrom Wind | The Morning Setw/ Breaux Bridges |