Music that Spoke of a Living Memory: Akram Abdulfattah and the Sirat Trio

By Akhiya Ajitkumar

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Blr Hubba 2026 showcased South Asia’s cultural heritage as the ultimate exhibition. Amongst its annual array of events spanning across 10 days, one particular artistic showcase stood out in a different light this time.

Travelling all the way from Palestine, on a tour of a concert series called “Rivers from the East” was Akram Abdulfattah, an enchanting violinist, accompanied by Indian tabla player Rupak Dhamankar and multi-instrumentalist Mandola Joy. This concert series was also in promotion of Akram’s newest solo violin album “Taqasim Kaman”. 

Together, Akram, Mandola and Rupak are part of “The Sirat Trio”. They started their musical collaboration before the pandemic and have since been in touch from across the world, keeping their music alive and echoing across all boundaries. Sirat Trio is an Indo-Arab Project that combines Arab Classical music and Indian traditions.

The evening was nothing short of marvellous, owing to the melodious and immersive tunes that captured the attention of the entire venue. “Sirat” has been recognised by Akram as a musical journey towards the spirit of self and God. This project reflects the work of each musician's expertise and dedication towards their spirit of rhythm and the intercultural camaraderie that they share with each other.

The event’s highlight was them teasing, taunting and challenging each other with their musical repertoire. Eager and amused by the stakes built up by each other, what resulted was an affectual consequence of reciprocation and inspiration that suspended time in a frenzy of concentrated talent. Mesmerised by the resonance of the audible spectacle, the audience stood arrested, savouring every tune that escalated into a spontaneous back and forth now and then.

This cultural event is significant because it brings together the force of an intercultural collaboration and also the emotionality that comes with it. During his momentous address to the gathering throughout the evening, Akram spoke of home, Palestine, in a nostalgic remembrance and silent grief. The audience understood, at least those who were aware and empathetic. Those attendees shared his grief that evening along with his silence, which was just loud enough to reciprocate. Music represented shared humanity that evening, inviting in those who were willing, preserving a part of history that will not be forgotten.

Blr Hubba, by providing a platform to these talented musicians, did more than just represent South Asian culture; it preserved an important voice in its global cultural tapestry. In an era of extreme geopolitical uncertainty, BLR hubba has knowingly or unknowingly safeguarded endangered histories with live performances that carry within them the potential to ignite and sustain empathy and politically strategised divides across the world. This performance alone will be remembered for its rich intercultural fusion and joint global force, connecting music that challenges hollow representations. Attempts at preservation of culture through more performances like The Sirat Trio promise one thing: Resistance in Existence.