French-Tunisian saxophonist, composer and curator Yacine Boularès on how jazz, ancestry, and curiosity led him to his true voice—and a festival that's redefining Arabic music. What happens when a jazz musician sets out to rediscover his roots—and ends up founding a groundbreaking music festival in New York City? In this soulful conversation, I sit down with French-Tunisian saxophonist, composer, and cultural connector Yacine Boularès. From his unexpected entry into music to creating the first U.S. festival dedicated to contemporary Arabic sounds, Yacine's story is one of following intuitive breadcrumbs—and letting your identity unfold through art. We talk about how music became a way for Yacine to reconnect with his North African heritage, how the Habibi Festival was born from a simple mind map and a moment of artistic courage, and why he's leaning into beginner's mind by learning new instruments and drawing—yes, drawing!—to deepen his decades-long craft. Whether you're a musician, a cultural shapeshifter, or someone yearning to live more creatively and intentionally, this episode is a balm and an inspiration. (And, side note: prepare to get an education in world music with Yacine here too!). 🎵 In this episode, we explore: The winding path from philosophy student to full-time touring musician, including being featured on Placido Domingo's Encanto Del Mar as a soloist and arranger Why creating the Habibi Festival filled a cultural void—and how it's evolving How embracing new artistic practices can reignite mastery How one's identity (self and other-perceived) can shift and evolve depending on where we are in the world What it means to raise a child with music—not as pressure, but as presence 🌍 Mentioned in the episode: Habibi Festival Joe's Pub Working Group Abu Sadiya (trio exploring Tunisian Stambeli music) Collaborations with Placido Domingo, Vincent Segal, and Tabou Combo https://www.yacineboulares.com/ ✨ Favorite quote from Yacine: "My daily practice was to be as open as possible. And I got guided into places—closer to myself, in the end." 🎷 About Yacine Boularès Yacine Boularès is a French-Tunisian saxophonist, composer, and curator whose work blends jazz with the rich musical traditions of North and West Africa. After moving to New York on a Fulbright scholarship, he toured internationally with legendary African and Caribbean artists—an experience that reignited his connection to his roots. He's the founder of AJOYO and co-creator of Abu Sadiya, a trio exploring Tunisia's sacred Stambeli music. In 2019, Yacine co-founded the Habibi Festival, the first U.S. festival dedicated to contemporary Arabic music. His latest project, OSOOL, reimagines A Night in Tunisia through a modern, soulful lens. Yacine is currently a National Arts Club Fellow and continues to shape a bold, borderless vision for music as cultural memory, resistance, and celebration.

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