{"title":"Sababa 5","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"aspan","title":"Aspan","description":"\u003cp\u003eSababa 5 continues their musical journey following the success of their acclaimed self-titled debut album, which fused deep funk and Middle Eastern grooves. Their latest offering, still under the Batov Records label, ventures into more explorative and experimental instrumental compositions. While evolving their musical direction, \u003ci\u003eAspan \u003c\/i\u003edelves into the realm of psychedelic rock while retaining the essence of the band's signature Middle Eastern groove.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Batov Records","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":50395155136843,"sku":"2128102","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP - White","offer_id":57548690915659,"sku":"R4074-9149","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Aspan_1aae3845_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726456510"},{"product_id":"sababa-5","title":"Sababa 5","description":"\u003cp\u003eSababa 5’s knack for intricate grooves and catchy melodies have led to a series of acclaimed singles, from fresh takes on classic melodies to vocal collaborations, championed by the BBC’s Gilles Peterson, Cerys Mathews, and Gideon Coe in the UK, and Radio Nova and FIP, in France, whilst they gradually found their own contemporary sound, creating original music together that could stand up on its own across a whole album.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eAcross these eight songs, the group blends the Afro disco, reggae, jazz, funk and a plethora of Middle Eastern traditions, whilst traveling time and space, drawing a musical, cultural and geographical line from Somalia to Iran, via Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt and Turkey, from the late 70s and early 80s to today. Thus Sababa 5 create a unique psychedelic groove that builds on the approach that the likes of the Daptones have taken to working independently, writing, producing and recording original music, with their own modern take on 70s soul and funk.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eStand outs include “Malca” (a girl’s name that means “queen”). Built around broken synth lines, a languid East Africa meets Anadolu psych groove and vintage organ licks, the instrumental peaks a transformative chord change, shooting it into the stratosphere.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe carnivalesque “Lizarb” (“Brazil” backwards), raises the tempo and temperature. The piece kicks off with a guitar-led call-and-response before a synth-led melody lifts everything to another level. Topped off before the end by a beautiful wah-wah meets psychedelic Mizrahi style guitar solo over a pulsating drum and groove line, demanding a physical response.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“Habedil” (“the idiot” in Hebrew), is named for the innocent, child-like synths that lead off towards the start, whilst the bass and guitar riff repetitively, crafting an irresistible groove before dovetailing into an epic disco synth vamp.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eWith this, their debut, self-titled album, Sababa 5 are ready to take a seat among the most exciting and original instrumental-based groups across the globe, with an exciting and distinct approach to groove, sound and melody.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Batov Records","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":50403175203147,"sku":"1166600","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"LP - Green","offer_id":53365064401227,"sku":"R6565-5791","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/21320ad9-34e8-442f-8d93-d1e0839d26fc_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726558371"},{"product_id":"bezani-ashkamoni","title":"Bezani \/ Ashkamoni","description":"\u003cp\u003eWith two albums, an EP featuring vocalist Shiran Tzfira, and five highly collectable 45s under their belt, Sababa 5 have established themselves as trailblazers in the global grooves scene alongside the likes of Altın Gün, Yin Yin, and Misha Panfilov. Bezani transports listeners on a sonic journey with its electric synths and percussion-fueled 6\/8 rhythm. Drawing inspiration from early electronic sounds and Persian folk, the track creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that pushes the boundaries of genre blending.  On “Ashkamoni”, Sababa 5 showcase their versatility with a rockier feel infused with a rocksteady swing. The track’s captivating melody builds dynamically, while the lead guitar and synth engage in enthralling solos, demonstrating the band’s exceptional musical prowess.  Sababa 5’s collective experience backing a wide variety of international artists has no doubt driven their tight sound and ability to seamlessly fuse genres. With influences ranging from the world renowned Funk Brothers, Wrecking Crew and Daptones, to Middle Eastern psych, the band effortlessly blends diverse musical elements into their distinctive sound.  “Bezani” and “Ashkamoni” mark another milestone in Sababa 5’s musical journey, further solidifying their reputation as innovators in the world of psychedelic groove. Fans and music enthusiasts alike can expect to be enthralled by these latest additions to the band’s impressive repertoire.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Batov Records","offers":[{"title":"Black 7\"","offer_id":50416126165323,"sku":"2189871","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/BTR095_BTR095D_Artwork_cb97c99d_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726695934"},{"product_id":"funk-1-funk-2","title":"Funk #1 \/ Funk #2","description":"\u003cp\u003eSababa 5, hot on the heels of their self-titled debut LP, share a pair of raw funk nuggets on one unmissable 45 via Middle Eastern psych groove merchants Batov Records.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis double-headed monster of a 45 marks a return to the band’s successful run of sold-out 45s. Only interrupted last year by their first full length album, which cemented their reputation for crispy desert grooves that combine psych, surf, and funk with a Middle Eastern accent, and caught the attention of BBC 6 Radio Music icons Iggy Pop, Huey Morgan and Cerys Matthews, and leading French radio station FIP and Nova Radio.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the A-side, the simply titled “Funk #1” packs a solid punch of Skull Snapping drums and electric bass, Mediterranean synths and a healthy dose of JBs meet Omar Khorshid guitar, finally let loose for a hair-raising solo.On the flip, “Funk 2” picks up the pace with a frenetic drum rhythm, classic circling funk guitar, and crazed synths, held down by an irresistible bassline and psychedelic organ chords.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDon’t stop, pass go and collect the latest essential slice of wax from Tel Aviv’s premiere psychedelic funk exports on Batov Records delectable Middle Eastern Groove series.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Batov Records","offers":[{"title":"7\"","offer_id":50427131035979,"sku":"2011336","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/415b98f8-7891-5b7f-fc01-70c60b36e526_595259e9_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726822050"},{"product_id":"crossroad-of-love","title":"Crossroad of Love","description":"\u003cp\u003e'Sababa 5' was formed by a group of musicians known for their work for some of Tel Aviv's top artists\/vocalists, such as Gili Yalo, Ester Rada and Liraz Charhi, as well as with famous groups like Hoodna Orchestra, Tigris and Kutiman Orchestra.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith members' influences that range from wrecking crew recordings from the 60's, to analog Middle Eastern music from the 70's, the sound of the band constantly revolves around different genres and rhythms, yet, in its core, 'Sababa 5' is always a groove-centric band. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLast year the band finished construction on their new recording space, a space that was especially built to accommodate live full-band recordings. Its location is right by the border of Jaffa and Tel Aviv, on Eilat St., hence the name Eilat Studios.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Sababa 5' has just finished recording a new instrumental EP, with the aim to record more in the near future, in its new headquarters. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYURIKA\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBorn in a the Chiba district on the eastern outskirts of Tokyo, Yurika began her journey in discovering belly dancing at the age of five, taking lessons in jazz dance. After high-school she applied for belly dancing lessons almost by chance. Yet, as she quickly fell in love with the music and the nature of the movements, Yurika knew this is what she was meant to do.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSoon after Yurika began traveling around the Middle East, learning bellydancing in different cities and countries like Egypt, Morocco and Turkey. There she met the famous Istanbul-New York based female darbuka player Raquy Danziger. who later took her to perform in Israel. There, Yurika began studying with Orly Portal, a master of contemporary folklore dance. After finishing studying with Orly,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYurika stayed in Tel Aviv and joined bands like Boom Pam and Ouzo Bazooka, and now, Sababa 5, where Yurika is featured as a vocalist, for the first time, in a double-sided 7\" EP. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Batov Records","offers":[{"title":"Green | 7\"","offer_id":50478883176779,"sku":"1158326","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/e2a9536b-4d4f-431b-b8f8-1a4883a8c003_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727493889"},{"product_id":"eilat-22-elifelet-23","title":"Eilat 22 \/ Elifelet 23","description":"\u003cp\u003eSababa 5, Tel Aviv’s funkiest export, upgrade their signature Middle Eastern psychedelic funk with the addition of Hoodna Orchestra’s dynamic brass section, another essential 45 from Batov Records’ Middle Eastern Groove series.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLabeled by the likes of Truth and Lies as a “serious contender in the world of instrumental funk”, Sababa 5 have created a modern sound, fusing funk, disco, and psychedelic rock with a wide range of Middle Eastern influences, culminating in last year’s acclaimed self-titled debut album, Named after their new studio address on the border of Jaffa and Tel Aviv, “Eilat 22” and “Elifelet 23” spring from the same sessions that delivered us the enormous ‘Funk #1 \/ Funk #2’ 45, as championed by the Nostalgia King, Skeme Richards, BBC Radio 6 Music host, Huey Morgan, and influential music portal, Music Is My Sanctuary.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSababa 5’s tight-as-ever instrumental grooves are enriched by the bright bass sounds of The Hoodna Orchestra brass section, comprising Bar Ashkenazi on trumpet, Eylon Tushiner on tenor, and Elad Gelert on baritone saxophone. Hoodna are renown for their energetic take on Afrobeat, and have been touring and recording recently with Ethio jazz legend Mulatu Astatke, and here they supply a touch of JB’s meets Africa ‘70 energy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn “Eilat 22” the Sababa 5 rhythm section of Raz Man on drums and Amir Sadot on bass is in full funk force, supporting a vibrant hook from the Hoodna brass section, leaving room for solos from guitarist Ilan Smilan and synth mage Eitan Drabkin, full of Middle Eastern flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the flip “Eiffelet 23” grooves along like a Dap Kings funk nugget, except in this case there’s room for Eitan to improvise across the jam with a microtonal organ sound reminiscent of legendary Egyptian musician Magdi el- Husseini.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Eilat 22” \u0026amp; “Elifelet 23” open another page in Sababa 5’s rapidly diverse and ever-engaging discography, with two songs destined to head light up dancefloors over the coming months.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Batov Records","offers":[{"title":"Black 7\"","offer_id":50490633126219,"sku":"2029911","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/8b6fa408-2465-fc93-71fb-a11b327854f5_bcc66008_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727668799"},{"product_id":"bigane-namdar","title":"Bigne \/ Namdar","description":"\u003cp\u003eSababa 5 have demonstrated their special blend of Middle Eastern psych, funk and disco over a course of eights 45s for Batov Records, a collaborative EP with singer Shiran Tzfira, and an acclaimed self-titled album, receiving plaudits from the likes of BBC radio legends Gilles Peterson and Gideon Coe. Hot off the back of extended instrumental faze, covering their self-titled debut album, that drew comparisons to the Menahan Street Band, and a pair of essential 45s overflowing with funk, Sababa 5 hit the studio to cut a pair of killer songs with Turkish synth, electro and alternative pop sensation Canay Doğan. Currently a member of the Jazz Department at Istanbul University, Canay has been releasing her own songs since 2021. Known for her versatility not only as a singer but across keyboards, drums and percussion, she can be seen accompanying many artists on vocals and keyboards. The collaboration came about after Canay heard Sababa 5’s “Nasmusa”, delving deeper and noting the similarities with Turkish music she reached out to suggest they work together. Compounded by Sababa 5 already having a presence in Turkey, it was meant to be. Dreamy and melancholic synths meet gritty funk rhythms on “Bigâne”. According to Canay, the song addresses issues around depressions about the relative meaninglessness of life, the emptiness of so many questions and answers, and the “variability of the truth”. The urgent music of “Namdar” backs a paean to the fakeness of most friendships, and empty daily questions such as “how are you?”, and how many socalled friends are in truth jealous and bitter. The deep and searching questions of Canay’s lyrics give weight to the beautiful vocals that almost float over Sababa 5’s compelling grooves. “Bigâne” and “Namdar” add another deadly string to Sababa 5’s bow and are essential grooves destined for DJs’ 45 boxes and discerning listeners’ playlists. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Batov Records","offers":[{"title":"7\"","offer_id":50506709762379,"sku":"2029286","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/cf9ee956-0c54-3ce6-481b-7e0ab1db7fe5_0c5ad056_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727828101"},{"product_id":"nadir","title":"Nadir","description":"\u003cp\u003eFollowing three acclaimed albums, a string of sought-after 45s, and collaborations with vocalists including Yurika and Sophia Solompon, championed by esteemed tastemakers such as Gilles Peterson, Cerys Matthews, and Jeremy Sole, \u003cem\u003eNadir\u003c\/em\u003e finds Sababa 5 at their enigmatic and irresistible. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSababa 5's latest album, \u003cem\u003eNadir\u003c\/em\u003e. delves into a darker, more sophisticated, and cinematic fusion of psychedelic soul and Middle Eastern rock. The title, Nadir, is an astronomical term referring to the point on the celestial sphere directly beneath an observer, diametrically opposite the zenith. Metaphorically, it signifies the lowest point or a moment of adversity. This duality resonates with the band's exploration of contrasting musical themes—melding the cosmic and the terrestrial, the ethereal and the grounded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name encapsulates the album's essence, reflecting a journey through deep, introspective soundscapes that are both otherworldly and rooted in raw, earthly grooves. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNadir\u003c\/em\u003e opens with “VU” - close to four minutes of mysterious, darkly seductive, rhythm-driven funk. Swirling guitars, an Arabesque electric organ, and raga-like drones evoke the haze of a smoky Cairo bar, while the track nods to their close musical kin, vuvuvu, whose raw, noisy, and playful energy has rubbed off on the band.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title track itself conjures the sultry ambiance of a Mediterranean night, plunging listeners into a realm of intrigue and intensity. A brooding bassline sets a suspenseful tone before a synth-led melody, laced with Italian motifs and Middle Eastern tonalities, unfolds— recalling the cinematic flair of soundtrack legends like Piero Umiliani and Stelvio Cipriani. Subtle wah-wah guitar accents add a psychedelic touch, echoing the acid rock elements of classic Poliziotteschi scores. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, not all tracks dwell in darkness; “Tell” sports a brighter tone reminiscent of ‘Aspan’. Leaning into Turkish ballad territory - except with synths taking the lead part - it is both melodic and melancholic, buoyed by an irresistible groove that offers a refreshing counterpoint to the album’s shadowy moods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA must list album for fans of The Heliocentrics, Khruangbin, The Dap Kings, and Moğollar. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNadir\u003c\/em\u003e stands as Sababa 5’s most compelling and listenable offering yet - a transcontinental journey where hypnotic grooves, cinematic arrangements, and evocative Middle Eastern scales create vivid imagery, compel movement, and touch the soul.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Batov Records","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":51822047494475,"sku":"R0257-9222","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/click-1_c3026ce1-f068-4956-b3ea-c2fe4a66c1c6.jpg?v=1747313028"},{"product_id":"ca-va-ca-va","title":"Ca Va Ca Va","description":"\u003cp\u003eWith four albums already behind them, Sababa 5 have earned global support, from Songlines magazine and BBC Radio 6 Music tastemakers including Gilles Peterson, Jamz Supernova and Iggy Pop to France’s FIP Radio and Radio Nova, for their unique blend of traditional Middle Eastern celebration music with psychedelic grooves, funk, jazz, rock, and international vocal collaborations spanning Japan to India. The Paris-based group have taken this sound to stages across Europe, including Reeperbahn Festival and Dresden’s Super Fest.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eÇa Va Ça Va\u003c\/em\u003e is the band’s hafla album – a return to the wedding and event celebration music that first shaped Sababa 5. Recorded in Paris, it draws directly from the sounds of hafla – the joyful, communal music heard at Middle Eastern weddings, parties and festive gatherings – with a sprinkling of influences from the wider Mediterranean. The group utilise their classic combination of electric guitar, bass, drums, organ, and synths to transform these ideas into vibrant melodies, dance-ready rhythms, and a spirit of abundance and  \u003cbr\u003etogetherness.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpening track “Bienvenue” sets the tone with a mysterious, longing guitar solo before bursting into an irresistible rhythm and jubilant guitar motif. It flows seamlessly into “Allô”, straight into wedding-riot territory – a fast-rising instrumental that showers the dancefloor with energy as it builds around a hypnotic, arpeggio-driven riff. The album is almost entirely original material, with two key exceptions: “Ypárcho” (I Exist), a beautiful instrumental journey inspired by a classic Greek song traditionally performed by Stelios Kazantzidis, and “Asunsan”, an instrumental flip of the much-loved Sababa 5 collaboration “Nasnusa” with Yurika Hanashima. Another impressive step in the Sababa 5 story, \u003cem\u003eÇa Va Ça Va\u003c\/em\u003e captures both joy and longing – the unmistakable warmth of Eastern Mediterranean celebration and the band’s surf-rock edge – sounding more confident, spirited and deeply rooted than ever.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Batov Records","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":56128613122379,"sku":"R1684-8887","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/unnamed-2025-12-16T143906.206.jpg?v=1765895954"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/de\/collections\/sababa-5.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}