Nabihah Iqbal Selects Spiritual Music

Aug 13

Aug 13 Nabihah Iqbal Selects Spiritual Music

Even by our contemporary standards, with limitless access to all kinds of music from around the world, it’s fair to say that Nabihah Iqbal has played more, seen more, given us more than most. Since 2017, the London-based DJ and producer’s NTS show has provided listeners with insight into music traditions from all corners of the planet. From Muslim Jazz and Pop Sunda to a Reggae and Lover's Rock Windrush Special, it doesn’t matter what she’s playing; everything is given the care, research and attention it deserves. No doubt the musician’s degree in ethnomusicology has played a large part in her globetrotting shows, but it’s her tireless dedication and cultural curiosity that has made her one of music’s most versatile polymaths.

It’s a similar story with Iqbal’s own music. Whether producing cutting edge electronic music under her old moniker Throwing Shade or releasing her incredible alt-pop LP through Ninja Tune, you never know what musical rabbit hole the artist is going to emerge from next; you just know that she’s put in the time and it’s going to be good.

With an NTS show that covers so much terrain, Iqbal has used her Selects playlist as an opportunity to showcase the music she’s found herself returning to. “It's all just music I've been listening to lately. A lot of spiritual jazz, with some reggae and ambient stuff too,” she told us. “I guess 'spiritual music' would be the underlying theme.” Featuring Lonnie Liston Smith, Idris Muhammad, Alice Coltrane, Patrice Rushen and more, these are Iqbal’s selections. Dive in to the crate digger’s picks below.

Nabihah Iqbal is on NTS every second week of the month. You can also check out her LP Weighing of the Heart here.