KHALED ALHAFEZ & WISHAH * LABYRINTH 25

Wishah is a vocal ensemble founded to revive the spiritual heritage and art of Sufi singing in a contemporary way. The group unites authenticity with innovation, bringing this art form to life through a harmonious blend of Eastern melodies and refined, spiritually charged lyrics.

The ensemble is made up of singers with unique voices and rich experience in performing classical religious and secular chants, as well as traditional songs.
Under the direction of Khaled Alhafez, Wishah is committed to training a new generation of singers, with the aim of preserving an art form that is devoted, meaningful, and sophisticated.
The name Wishah refers to the traditional scarf of the same name — a symbol of beauty and adornment that embraces both heart and soul.
More than just music, Wishah conveys an artistic and human message that reaches into the world of the spirit and the inner self.

Khaled Alhafez is a master of traditional oriental singing (muwashahat), trained in Aleppo under the guidance of renowned teachers. He later became a respected educator at the Conservatories of Damascus and Aleppo, where he taught until 2013. His musical journey spans several countries and ensembles: in Syria, he performed with the Nawa band (specializing in Sufi and Oriental music) and the Ramal band; in France, he collaborated on the Oración project with Royaumont; and in Belgium, he has been a key figure in the Wajd ensemble (with MUSIQ3), Refugees for Refugees, and JAWA (with Muziekpublique), as well as the Alefba project with Fabrizio Cassol. Khaled has shared his art through concerts and workshops across the Middle East, Europe, and North America. His work is marked by a deep commitment to preserving and reinterpreting classical Arabic vocal traditions, blending them with contemporary expressions that resonate across cultures and generations.

^{Photo Khaled Alhafez by Shalan Alhamwy}