Ottoman Slap "Aquel Ruido"
Ottoman Slap brings you melodies from the mountains of Al-Andalus, rhythms from the Middle East and dance from the sands of the Sahara. This Cape Town ensemble performs their own original pieces as well as unique renditions of traditional music, with vocals in Spanish and Roma, Middle Eastern bellydance and an artillery of instruments.
Ottoman Slap has proven itself as a band able to create a beautiful and memorable backdrop to events and functions seeking ‘that special something’, as well as a group that can take the reins and present a thoroughly entertaining show in more focused settings such as theatres, soirées and shows where the arts and culture are treasured.
Besides performing original pieces composed by the group, Ottoman Slap performs and draws from a range of ethnic and traditional music, including Andalusian and Romanian folk songs, Kletzmer and Arabic musical treasures we discover along the way. Our musical line-up includes vocals in Spanish and Roma, saxophone, trumpet, saw, hulusi, mandolin, guitar, accordion, double bass, darbuka, daf, riq, cajón, zills and castanets.
During performances where the context allows for a movement element, Marissa (director of Soma Fusion Bellydance Company) enriches the musical offering by performing Tribal Fusion Bellydance. This dance form – regal yet celebratory – is a most apt dance accompaniment to our unique blend of traditional and contemporary music! Arrangements can also be made for duo or group bellydance choreographies to accompany the band.
Ottoman Slap sprung from the Capetonian creative woodwork in late 2012. We have played Rocking The Daisies for three years running as well as the Cape Town World Music Festival in 2014. We have been confirmed for the National Arts Festival in 2015. We do private events and weddings (including Nederburg’s Heritage Day event two years running) and we regularly perform at soirées and established music venues in Cape Town, such as Alexander Upstairs, Straight No Chaser, Waiting Room, Blah Blah Bar, Alma Cafe and Villa Pascal.
The group’s musical influences are, among others, Beirut, Balkan Beat Box, Yemen Blues, Avishai Cohen, Fanfare Ciocarlia, and A Hawk and a Hacksaw.
