When Faber became Ayoub

Musical Journey Across Two Mediterranean Cultures

In the early 90s, Faber J. Rheder embarked on a musical transformation that would lead him to immerse himself in the captivating world of World Music. Changing his name to Ayoub, Faber embarked on a journey that spanned from Morocco to Western Europe between 1996 and 2002, marking a pivotal moment in his musical career.

Exploring New Musical Horizons

Throughout his extensive journey, Arab music, the scents of Morocco, and the hospitality of its people left a profound mark on Faber's compositions. This transformative experience fused his musical style with influences from electronic music, giving birth to Ayoub.

In 1998, "Hubun" (Love), an EP of "dub versions," saw the light, foreshadowing the album "Love & Shams" (Love and Sun) released in 2003. This work represented the culmination of five years of collaboration with various World Music artists and genres such as Hip-Hop, Trip-Hop, Drum n'Bass, Jungle, and Raï music. The magic between Western, Mediterranean, and Maghrebi cultures manifested in every chord and rhythm.

An Unprecedented Journey: "Shams Dries the Tears"

Despite the mysterious production and uncertainty surrounding its release, Ayoub didn't stop. In 1998, Faber J. Rheder fully transformed into Ayoub after years of immersion in the cultural vibrations of Morocco and Europe. His musical style evolved, giving rise to dozens of new songs with a strong Maghrebi influence.

Five years of effort and passion culminated in the release of the album "Love & Shams" in 2003. This Chill-House album masterfully fused Hip-Hop, Trip-Hop, Drum n'Bass, Jungle, and Raï music into a World Music style with Arab nuances, surprising for its authenticity and collaborations with fifteen talented artists and friends.

Mediterranean Fusion in "Love & Shams"

"Love & Shams" stands out as a prime example of Mediterranean fusion. The influence of Arab music, stemming from Ayoub's deep connections with Morocco, is notably present in this chill-out style album. The album includes songs performed in Arabic, French, and English, creating a musical bridge between two worlds.

A Message of Unity and Love

Ayoub's main message is clear: to open oneself to the world and to love. "We're all rays of sun," a mantra resonating in his music, promotes unity and light in times of darkness.

A Two-Decade Journey

This coming June, "Love & Shams" will celebrate two decades since its release on CD by Gas Station Records in 2003. Written and produced by Faber J. Rheder over a period of five years, this album is a testament to a journey that took him through Morocco, Tunisia, London, Amsterdam, Ibiza, and Barcelona.

The Lost Second Chapter

However, Ayoub's story also holds a second chapter, one that unfortunately never saw the light. For undisclosed reasons, the albums meant to complete Ayoub's discography were never released, and the circulating copies were withdrawn by the artist due to disagreements with the distributor.

A Musical Rarity

Today, Ayoub's CD has become a true rarity. Less than 1000 copies were printed, along with a hundred promotional CD-Singles "Aleche" and "Tarab." These copies, along with remix versions of the first album, are available on Bandcamp under the name Faber J. Rheder.

A Promising Future

With the sales of this CD, Faber J. Rheder hopes to finally produce and release the long-awaited second album "Shams Dries The Tears" along with the EP "Hamaam." Ayoub's musical journey has not yet reached its conclusion, and his notes continue to resonate in the vast universe of World Music.