bassel almadani

Combine Syrian heart with Midwestern soul to find Bassel Almadani commanding the microphone with a passion that shivers your spine. No stranger to adversity himself, Bassel's ties to his family abroad remain stronger than ever as they endure an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria. The soulful music of Bassel & The Supernaturals draws a deep connection between the ongoing chaos in his parents’ homeland and his personal experiences growing up in the US. 

Born and raised in the college town of Kent, Ohio, Bassel naturally gravitated towards music and social engagement during his childhood. As a youth he played violin, drums, guitar, and eventually began recording and performing his own music in 2003. He relocated to Columbus between 2006-2010 to study at the Ohio State University, graduating with two degrees in Logistics Management and International Business.

During his time in central Ohio, he self-produced and released two solo albums with the support of his longtime mentor Sinkane (Ahmed Gallab) - an internationally touring artist with Yeasayer, Caribou, Of Montreal, Born Ruffians, and his own group. Immediately upon graduating and touring for a month to promote his second solo release, Bassel relocated to Chicago to begin working as a business analyst.

Between 2010-2017 he booked and managed over 225 shows across the United State with his 7-piece neo-soul & funk ensemble, Bassel & The Supernaturals. During that time span he released 2 recordings (Dreamer, Elements), showcased at South By Southwest as an artist & speaker (ContraBanned: #MusicUnites), performed on major stages across the country (e.g. Kennedy Center, Summerfest, Millennium Park), and produced a multi-genre humanitarian tour (Amplify Peace: Saving Syrian Lives) with a global non-profit organization while advancing in his corporate career. He left his role as a senior analyst at Cars.com to pursue freelance work as a musician, producer, and tour manager.

Despite a series of challenges in his life including a massive house fire, a stolen car, the dramatic passing of his bassist - his focus on global awareness and charity has never been greater. In addition to performing in clubs and festivals across the nation, Bassel partners with universities and charity organizations nationwide to host seminars, workshops, and benefit concerts drawing attention to the crisis in Syria and issues facing the Arabs and Muslims in the US.

Chicago