Bands have always been at the heart of music, because there’s something almost alchemical about a group of like-minded musicians coming together to create a sound greater than the sum of its parts. It adds layers, depth, and a sense of shared identity, making for some of the most timeless tunes ever recorded. From Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Bob Marley & The Wailers to Ferqet Masr, Mashrou’ Leila, Cairokee, and Sharhabeel Ahmed, bands have long shaped decades of music before us. The latest to step into the scene? A trio creating music from the soul and for the soul: Adiga.
Formed in 2016, Adiga is a Dubai-based Sudanese band made up of three multi-talented musicians. Sidahmed Zaki, the dual-threat guitarist and keyboard wizard, honed his craft in Sudan’s independent music scene, collaborating with various artists in Khartoum. Ibrahim Altijani, a master of both classical and electric guitar, started his journey in 2008 with a deep love for Arabic and Western fusion. Then there’s Hassan Aljaily, the band’s architect—a producer, bassist, and guitarist who carries Sudan’s rich musical heritage into the present. Though based in Dubai, the trio shares one thing in common: “We carry Sudan in our hearts.”
Their vision? A revival of traditional Sudanese sounds, reimagined through modern experimentation. “We infuse Sudanese music with hip-hop, funk, and neo-soul to create a captivating experience,” the band shares. While their sound fluidly moves across genres, one influence remains undeniable—their homeland. “Sudanese music is in our blood. Being part of Adiga has helped us reconnect with our roots on a deeper level. We explore styles from across Sudan, like Hageeba, and blend them with contemporary elements to create something new.”
Hageeba, which translates to “briefcase,” emerged in Sudan in the 1920s and was once the pulse of weddings and social gatherings. Typically performed with a lead vocalist and a frame drum known as the riq, the genre quickly spread, becoming a defining feature of Sudanese music. Adiga takes these deeply rooted influences and reshapes them, crafting a sound that fuses the raw soul of the past with the uncharted edge of the future—genre-bending alchemy that feels both ancient and refreshingly new.
“Before we even had a name, we felt the music,” they recall. “It was organic—a connection that kept coming back to us. We started recording and experimenting, and the people around us, especially close friends, encouraged us to take it seriously. That was the spark that brought us together as a band.”
With each member capable of crafting intricate soundscapes, their creative process often begins with improvisation. “There’s a moment where something just clicks, but sometimes we don’t even realize it until we listen back. It’s like discovering a hidden part of ourselves. Some moments make us laugh out loud when we hear them again. It’s about capturing those raw emotions and translating them into sound.”
What started as jam sessions evolved into their debut studio album, Hejira, released in 2020. “Releasing our first album was a defining moment—it was the culmination of years of experimenting and refining our sound.”
Below MILLE caught up with the band for a quick Q&A:
Who are some artists—Sudanese or otherwise—that have influenced Adiga?
Sudanese traditional music has played a huge role in shaping our sound. We are inspired by artists and musicians who share a deep artistic vision and cultural resonance from Sudan, the Middle East, and Europe, fostering a deep creative connection.
If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would it be and why?
We would love to collaborate with artists who share our energy and vision, whether from Sudan, the Middle East, or Europe. Our goal is to create connections that push the boundaries of our sound.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from your music?
We want people to simply listen and experience it in their own way. Everyone will take something different from our sound, and that’s the beauty of it.
If your sound were a landscape, what would it look like?
A journey through a desert and an oasis, constantly shifting between the familiar and the unknown.
If someone could only listen to one Adiga sound to understand your essence, which one would it be?
Hannan. It’s a sound that brings people together, no matter how far apart they are.
If you had to describe your sound in three words, what would they be?
Experimental, fusion, trippy.
How do you know when a sound is finished—or do you believe sounds evolve even after they’re recorded?
Some sounds capture a moment that can’t be recreated, while others continue to evolve over time. It depends on the energy of the sound.
If Adiga could soundtrack a film, what kind of movie would it be?
Any film—sound depends on the scene and the mood it creates.
What is it you wish to achieve through your music?
We want Adiga to reach its fans all over the world and continue to redefine Sudanese fusion music.
What is your take on the current musical landscape in the MENA region?
There’s a movement happening, and very authentic music is emerging. The region is in an exciting place creatively, and we’re proud to be part of it.
What’s next for Adiga? Any upcoming projects or collaborations?
We have another album in the works, along with collaborations with artists who share our vibe. Exciting things are coming!
Also Read:
16 Sudanese Artists to Look Out For in 2025
8 Facts About Dua Saleh, the Sudanese Artist Who Co-Wrote on Travis Scott’s ‘Utopia’
The Many Faces of Tageel: Sudanese Rap’s Rising Star
