Following a series of acclaimed dates in the summer of 2016, ** Africa Express Presents… The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians & Guests was released on Dec 9th 2016. This gatefold 2LP on 180gram vinyl was released exclusively on Record Store Day 2017 and is now available worldwide. The recordings were made in June when The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians, featuring current and former members of the Syrian National Orchestra for Arabic Music, came together for the first time since the conflict in their country flared up five years ago. They were joined by artists including Bassekou Kouyaté, Bu Kolthoum, Damon Albarn, Eslam Jawaad, Faia Younan, Julia Holter, Malikah, Mounir Troudi, Noura Mint Seymali, Paul Weller, Rachid Taha and Seckou Keita. This album was made possible with the support of Google Play. The concerts were co-commissioned by 14-18 NOW and Holland Festival.

Track listing:

1. Intro - The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
2. 3azely - The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
3. Wild Wood - Paul Weller & The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
4. Yah Mahla El Fus’ha - Faia Younan & The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
5. Out of Time - Damon Albarn & The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
6. Rakeb 3al Hamra - Mounir Troudi & The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
7. Feel You - Julia Holter & The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
8. Al Ajaleh - The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians feat. Bassekou Kouyaté & Seckou Keita
9. Blackbird - The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians feat. Damon Albarn & Paul Weller
10. Old Damascus - The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
11. Richa - Noura Mint Seymali & The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
12. White Flag - Damon Albarn & The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians feat. Eslam Jawaad, Malikah, Ceza & Bu Kolthoum
13. Ya Rayeh - Rachid Taha & The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
14. Oghneyat Men Baladi - The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians