Omar Souleyman
Jazz Cafe

A SINGLE A-board sits outside the Jazz Cafe emblazoned with the words Global Dance Icon — Omar Souleyman. More of a nod to the dry humour of this most beloved of Syrian singers than a sign of an ego-tripping diva, though Souleyman truly has become something of a cult sensation.

Hailing from humble origins in the village of Ra’s al-’Ayn near the Syria–Turkey border, he began as a part-time singer at weddings where the dabke is performed, a traditional folk music performed during line-dances and popular on celebratory occasions.

Transforming the dabke sound into his own brand of upbeat dance, Souleyman has since built an impressive back catalogue and worked with electronic music pioneers like Four Tet, Modeselektor and Legowelt.

Unfortunately Omar has fallen victim of post-Brexit government incompetence, and tonight’s gig has been rescheduled from June after being cancelled due to visa complications. A plethora of other artists from around the world have suffered the same fate this year, including Parisian DJs Acid Arab and Jamaican reggae act Black Uhuru.

But no energy is spared tonight as Souleyman takes to the stage in his trademark black shades and keffiyeh to an adoring sold-out crowd.

Men start their own mini-dabke by line-dancing and women wave white handkerchiefs. One holds his hands up in a heart-shaped sign before Souleyman returns the gesture and blows a kiss.

It's impossible not to feel invigorated by fan-favourites Warni Warni, Ya Bnayya, Wenu Wenu and Bahdeni Nami with many a “yeeeeaaah” and “hey hey!” from Souleyman, whose main dance moves include clapping and fanning his hands in front of his face.

Elsewhere he performs the brilliant acid-tinged Abou Zilif from last album Shlon, which boasts many hypnotic and psychedelic flourishes.

There are times when the samples sound like they could have come from an ’80s game show, but nobody can deny Souleyman is nothing if not tongue-in-cheek, it’s part of his charismatic charm.

After all, this is the guy whose official video for Warni Warni has him superimposed dancing on a space shuttle and a number of global landmarks.