Rabab
What “ancient” sounds like on strings.
About this instrument
In Afghanistan, the Rabab is known as the “Lion of Instruments.” Tragically, that same land has fallen under the Taliban’s control, where music — and even the crafting of instruments — has been banned. Authentic Afghan-made Rababs have therefore become incredibly rare and costly. Mine was built by Pashto artisans in Pakistan, where most Rababs are now made. When crafted with care and tuned properly, each note resonates like a drum echoing through a cavern, carrying an ethereal power unlike any other instrument. As with many ancient creations, its precise origins are debated — but its spirit feels timeless.
In the first video, I demonstrate the Rabab’s slower, more melodic voice. In the second, I lean into its rhythmic potential — that percussive pulse that seems to dance and speak simultaneously. It can evoke joy, contemplation, or even a kind of ancient sadness that still holds light.
Recommended M o o d s for this instrument
Grounded, solemn, yet soaring — the Rabab suits meditative, cinematic, or deeply emotional soundscapes.
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