Omar Jarbo
| Omar Jarbo | |
| A very low quality photo of Omar Jarbo | |
| Born | 1955 |
| Origin | Tel Keppe, Iraq |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument | Zurna |
| Genres | Chaldean folk music |
| Years active | 1959–present |
| Children | DJ Jarbo (son) |
Omar Jarbo is a Chaldean musician and master of the zurna, a traditional woodwind instrument. Born in Tel Keppe, Iraq, in 1955, Jarbo's musical journey began at the tender age of four, inspired by his father's passion for the zurna. Despite his mother's initial concerns about the impact of playing the zurna on his health, Jarbo's dedication to the instrument has led him to become a renowned performer, captivating audiences worldwide with his vibrant melodies and intricate ornamentations.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Growing up in Tel Keppe, Jarbo's childhood was immersed in the rich musical traditions of his community. He vividly recalls the joyous atmosphere of weddings and celebrations, where the zurna and tubel (davul) filled the air with their energetic rhythms. By the age of eleven, Jarbo was already a skilled zurna player, entertaining guests at weddings and community events.
"We would travel from store to store, home to home, playing music," Jarbo reminisces. "Life there was absolutely beautiful."
Journey to America
Jarbo's path to becoming a celebrated musician in America was not without its challenges. Due to the political and religious climate in Iraq, his family made the difficult decision to leave their homeland. However, Jarbo's enrollment in the army delayed his departure, as any attempt to leave would have raised suspicions of fleeing to America. Fortunately, he narrowly avoided being drafted into the Iraq-Iraq war due to his birth year. After years of waiting, he finally arrived in America on December 24, 1981, carrying with him three zurnas from Iraq.
"Since the day I set foot in America with three zurnas from Iraq," he declares, "I have never taken a break from playing the zurna, not even for a single day."
A Self-Taught Master
Jarbo's musical talent flourished despite his lack of formal training. He never had the opportunity to learn how to read music, but his passion and dedication propelled him to master the zurna through practice and an innate understanding of the instrument.
"I didn't read notes or get lessons or anything like that," Jarbo explains. "I just picked up the zurna and played. I'm self-taught."
His natural ability and commitment to his craft have earned him the admiration of fellow musicians, including renowned Iraqi singer Hussam Al Rassam.
Legacy and Family
Despite the challenges he has faced, Jarbo's love for music and his family has remained a constant source of strength. He is a proud father of four sons and is thrilled that his eldest son has followed in his footsteps as a DJ. Together, they have performed at parties and are now set to entertain guests at a wedding in Cancun. Even his baby grandson has shown an interest in the zurna, carrying on the family's musical legacy.
"The ones made from apricot bark are considered the best zurnas," Jarbo notes, sharing his knowledge of the instrument's construction.