Habibi Funk and Charif Megarbane—a partnership conceived in paradise. For almost six years, the Germany-based label Habibi Funk has been doing cherished work, reissuing old music from North Africa and the Middle East that gives prominence to local artists, indigenous styles, and region-relevant social and political messages. Megarbane is a native of Lebanon and a Bandcamp all-star who, since 2005, has released dozens of album—mostly under the big tent of his label Hisstology—and under various aliases, such as Cosmic Analog Ensemble. Mutual admiration has long existed between both parties, and Habibi Funk has waited years for that admiration to blossom into collaboration. Now, finally, there is Megarbane’s Marzipan, Habibi Funk’s first venture into original music.
