Nur Jaber, Berlin

Nur Jaber grew up playing drums and bass guitar in Beirut, moving to Berlin in 2010 and finding her way into the city’s famed house and techno clubs. It’s those cultural experiences that shaped her work and enriched her music, and after studying at Boston’s Berklee College of Music, she began moving toward electronic and dance music. Much of her exposure was as a result of her residency at STAUB parties, and in 2018 she released her debut album, “If Only – A State of Peace,” played at Berlin’s Berghain club and a Boiler Room session, and debuted at Amsterdam’s Reaktor events. She also plays some shows with live vocals over her DJ sets. Her favorite thing about her adopted city? “Berlin is filled with all kinds of art and music, endless options of amazing third-wave coffee shops and long walks in nature.”

Q: What’s the most challenging thing about your job?

A: I’d have to say that the biggest challenge for me, now that I’m traveling more, was realizing that not all gigs and performances will be good. I had to face the fact that there will be bad and tough-to-get-through gigs, and there will be memorable ones, and those are the ones you will write about.

Q: Who’s your favorite Lebanese celebrity and why?

A: Khalil Gibran. I’ve been feeling really connected to his writings. I’m inspired by the way he expressed himself with such love and truth, reaching most of the world. Fairuz is another great inspiration, an artist who sang about what makes Beirut sad and beautiful.

Q: What do you miss most about Beirut?

A: The food, sea and sun and my family. I miss long lunches with family and friends, laughing and talking over arak, fattoush and hummus.

Q: What’s your favorite spot in Beirut?

A: Kalei cafe. Really good coffee in a serene and green surrounding.

Q: Would you ever move back to Beirut? Why?

A: I don’t see myself moving back there anytime soon. I’ve still got a lot of strength to build and wounds to heal that I’m working on in parallel to achieving my dreams as an artist.

PHOTOGRAPHY BTD