World music virtuosos from Oslo – and the world. ComboNations is a group initiated and led by multi-instrumentalist Javid Afsari Rad, who also contributes as...

World music virtuosos from Oslo – and the world. ComboNations is a group initiated and led by multi-instrumentalist Javid Afsari Rad, who also contributes as composer and songwriter and this ensemble. The idea behind the project was to gather the best international musicians based in Oslo. Javid is originally from Iran, while the other musicians have roots in India, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Morocco. This band is a manifestation of the rich and multicultural music scene in Oslo. The musicians are virtuosos on their respective instruments – not only by Norwegian standards – but internationally as well. Their differing cultural and musical backgrounds melt together and create a new musical expression. Playfulness and a wish to break boundaries and cross borders has been the driving force behind the ensemble. The group was established in 2000, and since its inception has aimed to showcase the crème de la crème of World Music in Norway.