At just 21 years of age, the Palestinian-American pianist, vocalist and songwriter Ramzy Suleiman already looks destined to make great waves in the music world. His distinctive sound is born out of classic rhythm and blues, and inspired by his own experiences of soul and jazz.

Raised on a healthy diet of Sam Cooke, Duke Ellington, the Beatles, Billie Holiday and Ray Charles, an eclectic range of classic sounds are instantly recognisable when listening to Suleiman’s work. However, there is also a piercingly original beat that makes Suleiman’s work his own.

As well as the heavy blues and soul effects, there are also Sub-Saharan rhythms infused into his sound. Suleiman, himself an avid world music fan, has already made an impact in the international arena. He got to indulge himself musically, playing with the finest African artists, including Salif Keita, Vieux Farka Touré and Habib Koité – at Mali’s annual Festival in the Desert. He described it as an experience that was “too cool to miss”.

Suleiman’s upbringing was eventful to say the least. His late father, Sami, worked at the World Bank, while his mother still works around the world, in international development. Consequently, the family spent many summers abroad, in different parts of the world. They visited his father’s hometown of Al Bireh outside Ramallah on the West Bank, and spent time exploring many countries in Africa and Europe. As a result the native Washingtonian speaks Spanish and Arabic, and says he can get by in Greek and a few African dialects too.

We fully believe Suleiman and his music are destined for greatness; his mature lyrics and great vocal ability belie his youth. Much of his material has a strong political theme with titles such as “Barack Obama” and “Killing in Vain”. As the son of a Palestinian political activist this is inevitable. Yet his lyrics are thought- provoking and his music exuberant and uplifting, allowing listeners to contemplate without being lectured. He says his father told him, “we build peace by loving, not hating…maybe my music can help.”

Suleiman plans to earn a degree in music from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, following in the footsteps of alumni such as Quincy Jones, Melissa Etheridge and Branford Marsalis. He has released his debut album ” The News Caters Home” and toured the East Coast  in the United States earlier this year. Let’s hope we’ll get to see him perform this side of the pond too.

Words by India Blair

For more on his music visit http://www.myspace.com/ramzysuleiman

Enjoy more of him performing