In Portrait: Omid Bahadori

In Portrait: Omid Bahadori

musicians / Hanover - Germany

Omid Bahadori

Omid Bahadori

Hi Omid, nice that you could take the time for this short interview, given your tight tour schedule.



Describe a “normal day” in your life.


My day usually begins with a yoga session. After breakfast and in quiet moments, I like to pick up a musical instrument. As a self-employed musician, there inevitably comes a time for office work. I'm often on tour at the weekend.



And a perfect day,…. What can’t be missing?


Music, of course. At the moment, among other instruments, I particularly enjoy playing the HOKEMA - Kalimba B11 Electric.



When did music come into your life?


At the age of 13, I swapped my skateboard for my first guitar and quickly discovered a passion for various musical instruments. From there, everything took off.



When and how did you get to know HOKEMA instruments?


About 20 years ago I discovered a Hokema Kalimba for the first time at the Masala Festival in Hanover and was immediately in love.



How and when do you use the Sansula / Kalimba?


I often use these wonderful instruments in my solo concerts and have released compositions with the Sansula on several CDs. On my YouTube channel "energeticVibe" I have published various songs, including a one-hour piece for meditation, yoga sessions or just to relax.



How do your listeners react to the instruments and their sounds?


The listeners are enchanted by the magical sound and often speak to me about it after the concerts and want to know more about the instrument and its origin/history.



Do you think the HOKEMA instruments could be considered a “serious” musical instrument?


Absolutely. Even though I couldn't play a full concert with these instruments, the songs I composed for the Hokema instruments are just as important and of equal value as other pieces in my repertoire and bring a special touch to my musical program.



What is your favorite instrument from HOKEMA?


Currently, I mainly play the Kalimba B11 Elektro . As I am a guitarist by trade, I really appreciate the fact that I can easily connect the B11 to my guitar effects devices. This allows me to create sound collages and loops, which expands my artistic possibilities.



Biographical information on the career


Omid Bahadori is a professional musician and composer who works with various music and theater groups. Since 2009 he has been touring worldwide with his music group Sedaa. In addition to his solo concerts, he is involved in several productions of the GOP Varieté Show throughout Germany. He is also a guest lecturer at the Center for World Music at the University of Hildesheim. He also offers private lessons in guitar, overtone and undertone singing, frame drum, cajon and handpan.


Interview: Sascha (Team Hokema)