Update: His name is Maroun Nachef and is known as The Seller of Songs. Here’s an old article with more details about Maroun. Thank you Alexis!
I was once told about an old man who sits on Sassine Square and plays the Oud but I never really met him until today. He was sitting in the middle of the square with a hat in front of him to collect tips and a banner on his right that basically says that he’s unemployed, he’s playing the Oud and singing to earn few bucks and he’s willing to attend parties and events. I think this is the first time I meet a street musician in Beirut and I thought of a way to help him out:
– If anyone is getting married or planning an outdoor event this summer, invite this old man to play at the event and earn few bucks. It’s a pretty cool and original idea and it would help him earn few bucks. I will share this post with all the agencies that I usually work with and I hope they will consider my request.
Until then, make sure you leave a good tip if you spot him on Sassine Square.
[YouTube]
Thanks Cynthia!
A nice thought. Why didn’t you bother to find out his name and story? Here is a piece I wrote on Maroun Nachef back in 2002 http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Culture/Art/2002/Jan-15/108155-traveling-the-roads-with-a-song-and-a-smile.ashx
He’s back!! 🙂 he used to play in Hamra. I silk screened a poster of him 4 years ago but I never got to give him a copy since I couldn’t find him.
The poster is on this link http://on.be.net/14dkvLC