Centuries-old traditional song given a fresh, jazzy twist

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Evan Yako (R) and his musical score of 'Lyliana'. Credit: Evan Yako

Jazz percussionist and composer, Evan Yako, has creatively re-written an age-old Assyrian traditional wedding song 'Lyliana', giving it a fresh, jazzy twist.


Mr Yako spoke to SBS Assyrian about the song's significance and his intention to breathe new life into this centuries-old composition.

Female relatives usually sing the song one day before the groom's wedding as he bathes, symbolising the purification of the body and soul before meeting his bride.

In his recording studio, Mr Yako recorded the voices of his mother and another female relative to create a rendition of the song and produced a five-minute video clip to showcase the project.
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'Lyliana' is normally sung in pairs by the mother and aunts of the groom. Credit: Evan Yako
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Mr Yako has released an album with his compositions of Assyrian and English pieces. Credit: Evan Yako
Follow the link to hear the song:


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Centuries-old traditional song given a fresh, jazzy twist | SBS Assyrian