Firas Haddad: Percussionist, Oud, Eastern Flute and back up vocalist, for the Bassalindos. This outstanding percussionist also plays: tabla, rek, daf, bendir, dahola and Afro-Cuban percussion such as: congas, djmbay and timbals. Musician from a very young age, Firas began his professional career at the age of 13. His musical influence was vast: Arabic, Eastern, Turkish and Iraqi. This exceptional artist was part of the gypsy group Ziganne, among many others. During his time with one such group: Maghrébiet, Firas intensified his mastery of Arabic music: Algerian rai, Moroccan shaabi as well as Tunisian mezoued. He has also enhanced such ensembles as: Mek Sili, El Hasni and The Circle of Ecstasy. This spirited percussionist has graced the Festival Stages of: Just for Laughs, Francofolies and Les Vues D'Afrique, the Montreal Jazz Fest and the Festival du Monde Arabe. The multitalented Firas has composed alongside Christine and is a skilled studio programmer. He comprises the major element of the Eastern composing and arranging team for the Bassalindos. Voluble acclaim is in ever in evidence for the fantastic and fiery very dear "Divo" Firas!