Nigma Enigma

Abdullah Miniawy's art is constantly evolving, built on the foundations of his imagination. From his beginnings as a writer wielding a pen, Miniawy has expanded into a multi-instrumentalist and composer for choirs and various ensembles. His persona emerges in unexpected ways, as he steps from silence to video game programming, blending complex visuals with simple audiovisual work that redefines the musical composer’s perspective, embodying the spirit of a child in his creations. He occasionally sets aside his pen to grasp a 3D scanner, reflecting his evolving artistic process. Abdullah Miniawy remarks: "I have always been intrigued by the essence of communication. Despite successfully engaging Western audiences and connecting through shared imagination, I dream of creating a unified space where everyone can experience a complete impression of my written and auditory work." Years ago, Miniawy has immersed himself in video game programming, utilizing tools such as C++, Unreal Engine, IClone, and Blender, to create a longlasting, ethereal experience inspired by religious mythology and daily dilemma of existence. The music for his project was composed partly at Inkonst Malmö and premiered in Intonal, following an invitation from Emmanuel Sandin for a residency. This period of detachment from prolonged artistic collaborations resulted in a monumental work comprising eleven sonic extensions, where Miniawy challenges the politically charged stereotypes surrounding foreign artists. He prefers his art to be seen as pure, free from the tarnished image often presented by the media as "the refugee artist." Miniawy, who studied international law before taking the stage, was warmly welcomed by the artistic community. His first major breakthrough occurred during the 2011 Egyptian Revolution in Tahrir Square, marking the beginning of his unique artistic language, one that defies conventions and resonates with the new generation of artists. His works leave a lasting impression. “Nigma Enigma” is a musical journey that unfolds in the listener’s imagination, centred around the character of a skeptic who carries memories that have led him to reject the idea of a god. As he journeys toward a final celestial encounter in the court of the afterlife, each song and musical phrase conveys politically charged opinions. However, Miniawy suggests that the deepest freedom of expression lies in the personal connection between a human being and the divine, as this is where we can truly exercise our freedom without censorship today. The album begins by introducing; “Heaven for non-believers”, followed by the listener’s entry into “Hotel in Thailand”, and a reflection on the passing of Miniawy's father in the track “Fall Down Wiseman”. The music navigates through themes of mourning and disillusionment with life's possibilities, touching on the fragility of human existence and creating a shared vision between two worlds. In the track “Telawa” A Journey of the Boat to the Final Haven”, Miniawy weaves imagery from our reality into the metaphysical, exploring the journey of the soul across different realms, and engaging in a dialogue between man, God, and the stars. His poetic lines in “Jayhano Al Kawahi” begin with: "I spit a line of water in the face of a star." In Nigma Engima, Miniawy introduces two new languages—Italian and English—within his compositions, most notably in the tracks; ‘Hotel in Thailand’ and ‘Beatrice’. This shift marks a significant evolution in his artistic journey and represents a bold step in his efforts to communicate more effectively with Western audiences. He notes: "This is just the beginning of future works in languages that others can understand. We are breaking the rules." The project is produced by the Italian label Hundebiss Records with Phosphoric Passport..