Shoshana Tubi

Shoshana Tubi. Photo: Elena Marrero

Shoshana �Sham�eh� Tubi, a long-time Brooklyn resident, was born in Sana�a, the capital of Yemen. At a young age she learned the wedding songs and dances of the Jewish women of Sana�a, in which she eventually became an expert. Tubi moved to Israel and then New York, yet on return trips to Sana�a she continues her life�s mission of collecting and learning Yemeni song and dance. Singing in Arabic, Hebrew, Yiddish and Ladino, she performs various genres including wedding songs, lullabies, and religious music. Called upon to perform at weddings in New York, Israel and Yemen, her knowledge of Yemeni Jewish wedding songs is unparalleled in the United States. Yemen Muslim and Jewish traditions are both evident in these songs and she will address this connection in her Brooklyn Maqam performances.

Click to hear Shoshana Tubi performing Nadami
> Shoshana_Tubi_-_Nadimi.mp3 (2505.343 kb)

Nadami was performed at Brooklyn Maqam event Sawt al-Mar'a: Voice of the Women.

Singer: Shoshana Tubi
Flutist: Gina Tlamsa
Pianist: Ity Goren
Percussionists: Dan Silverstein and Shoshana Tubi

Translation:

Nadimi (How sorry I am)
a Yemeni country women's song by Thabiah Yaish

Verse 1:
Love of my heart, if you still desire me
slaughter your mother at the entrance (of the house)
according to my wish.
Refrain:
Oh, how sorry I am...and my mind...where did he go? Oh my love...
Verse 2:
Oh woman (wife) who made your head crazy?
How could I slaughter my mother, sho raised me?
Refrain:
Oh, how sorry I am...and my mind...where did he go? Oh my love...

Related Categories

Folk / Traditional Arts, Music, Traditional / Culturally Specific, Vocalist