Habibi Funk

The concept behind Spotlights was to bring together some of the research they had done for their own releases, while also including stories that go beyond the scope of their record label. The project took much longer than planned, but they are now more than happy to share the final result. 88 pages, A4 format.

The cover of the first issue features the inimitable Sun Ra in 1971, performing in Cairo at the apartment of Cairo Jazz Band co-founder Hartmut Geerken. Alongside these remarkable photographs, the issue includes a comprehensive final conversation with the late Geerken, recorded at his home in Germany in 2021. The magazine also delves into the visual world of Moroccan studio photographer Fouad Zerrei, profiles the anonymous soul singer Pale Jay, and explores Mulatu Astatke’s timeless Ethio-jazz hit Tezeta as a cinematic tool in RaMell Ross’ 2024 film Nickel Boys. Additionally, vinyl collectors Algerian Vinyl and CrocoDiscos share their most cherished records.
Edited by Armani Syed — Texts by Ahmed Khalil, Yasser Abellatif, Gabrielle Messeder, Joshua Thermidor, Armani Syed & Jannis Stürtz — Design by Robert Winter, Jeremias Diekmann and Raphaelle Macaron.

Habibi Funk Print 001 - Spotlights Magazine + Free Bonus Poster