About

Shady Rabab is an Egyptian-born, Toronto-based music producer, performer, and instrument maker whose work moves between the ancient and the unseen. Rooted in Arabic musical traditions and shaped by a deep connection to material and memory, his practice transforms discarded objects into living instruments, carrying sound, story, and spirit.

At the heart of his work is “Farida,” a four-string electric instrument built from recycled materials. Named after the Arabic word for “unique,” Farida holds a warm, resonant voice that echoes both heritage and experimentation. Through it, Shady creates soundscapes that feel ritualistic, blending organic tonalities with immersive electronic textures.

His performances are not only musical but experiential, spaces where rhythm, movement, and energy dissolve the boundary between artist and audience. Using wireless systems, he moves freely, inviting people into a shared moment that feels both grounded and otherworldly.

Beyond the stage, Shady is the co-founder of the Garbage Music Project, an initiative that empowers communities to build instruments from waste, transforming discarded materials into tools of expression and awareness.

Now based in Toronto, he is expanding his practice within the Canadian music scene, carrying forward a vision where sound becomes a bridge between past, present, and possibility.