On the season 2 Premiere Hosts Justin Romine and Bearz welcome Oud Virtuoso Rahim Alhaj.

In this compelling episode of The Barely Audible Podcast, hosts Justin Romine and Bearz sit down with world-renowned oud virtuoso Rahim AlHaj for an unforgettable conversation about music, resilience, and cultural identity. Rahim shares his extraordinary journey from Iraq to the United States, recounting how his deep passion for the oud—one of the world’s oldest stringed instruments—became both his refuge and his voice.

As an artist who has faced the challenges of creating in a conservative environment, Rahim speaks candidly about the power of music as a tool for resistance and storytelling. He reflects on the struggles of immigration, the responsibility of artists to engage with their audiences, and the profound impact of cultural exchange in shaping his work.

The discussion also explores the intersection of music with other art forms, the beauty of collaboration, and Rahim’s upcoming projects that continue to push creative boundaries. Thought-provoking, inspiring, and rich with history, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the transformative power of art.

Rahim's Bio

Rahim AlHaj, a virtuoso oud musician and composer from Baghdad, Iraq, began playing at age nine and trained under the legendary Munir Bashir. Forced into exile in 1991 due to his activism against Saddam Hussein’s regime, he eventually resettled in the U.S. in 2000 as a political refugee. Now based in Albuquerque, NM, he was awarded the prestigious NEA National Heritage Fellowship in 2015.

Recognized as one of the world’s finest oud players, Rahim has performed globally, earned multiple accolades, and collaborated with diverse artists, including Bill Frisell and Amjad Ali Khan. His compositions blend traditional Iraqi maqams with contemporary influences, reflecting themes of exile and resilience.