Bachar Mar-Khalifé has a well known surname. He is the son of Marcel Khalifé, one of the most famous lebanese oud players. During the civil war, when Bachar was six years old, his family was forced to flee to Paris. There, Bachar Mar-Khalifé grew up, exposed to a mix of arab music, contemporary classical music, the first waves of french hip hop and so on. All these influences shaped his music, which also carries with it the memories of his homeland.

His first record Oil Slick was released in 2010. Since then, Bachar’s reputation of excellence has kept on growing. His third record, Ya Balad received huge acclaimed public success and a long three year tour followed.

His latest album On / Off, was released last year. It was recorded in the living room of the family home, a stone house, isolated in the mountains of Jaj. It was made in 2019, during the lebanese uprising. In the house, like in the rest of the country, electricity cut of twice a day – hence the title, On / Off. The album confirmed his position as one of Lebanons most interesting artists.