Ali Paris

Ali Paris is a world-renowned qanun virtuoso and vocalist whose artistry transcends borders, seamlessly blending the rich traditions of Middle Eastern music with jazz and Western classical influences. A master of the 76-string qanun, he has redefined the instrument’s expressive possibilities and earned acclaim from legendary artists such as Quincy Jones, who called him “an unrivaled, unique artist,” and Paul Simon, who described him as “one of the most eclectic and diverse artists,” frequently attending his sold-out performances at Lincoln Center in New York.

Born in Morocco, Ali was recognized as a prodigy at the age of five and became a protégé of Arabic music master Simon Shaheen. By the age of eleven, he was touring internationally across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, establishing himself as one of the most dynamic performers of his generation.

Ali’s career includes numerous distinguished honors. He is a four-time recipient of the Marcel Khalife Best Artist of the Year Award in a Middle East–wide competition recognizing exceptional musicianship. He was also nominated for a GRAMMY® Award for his contribution to the soundtrack of the Spanish documentary Entre2aguas, which received international recognition. His collaborations include Alicia Keys, Paco de Lucía, Buika, Bobby McFerrin, and Jack DeJohnette.

He has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the GRAMMY® Awards, the White House, the Kennedy Center, the Newport Jazz Festival, and the Montreux Jazz Festival, as well as a solo performance at the Royal Palace of Jordan for Queen Rania. He has also appeared as a soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Michigan Philharmonic.

Beyond performance, Ali Paris is deeply committed to humanitarian work, supporting organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and Save a Child’s Heart. He has collaborated with Alejandro Sanz on initiatives supporting humanitarian projects across Africa and the Middle East, using music as a bridge for cultural and social impact.