Various

More than a compilation, Habibi Funk: A Selection From Libyan Tapes is a resurrection. This boxset opens a rare window into Libya’s sonic undercurrent—music made not for mass export, but for joy, resilience, and expression in a time and place where documentation was often fragmentary and ephemeral.

Drawn from obscure cassette tapes and private recordings, these tracks radiate a gritty charm and a borderless spirit. There’s funk laced with desert blues, lo-fi disco grooves driven by analog drum machines, synth-heavy soul, and hints of reggae, jazz, and Tuareg psychedelia—all filtered through a distinctly Libyan lens. The rawness isn’t a limitation; it’s part of the poetry. Tape hiss, uneven mixes, and impromptu arrangements become part of the story.

This music pulses with the energy of backroom parties, radio broadcasts, and living-room jam sessions—a deeply local sound shaped by global influence. It reflects a Libya that rarely makes the headlines: inventive, interconnected, and full of groove. Like all the best Habibi Funk projects, this boxset isn’t just about music. It’s about cultural archaeology, giving voice to artists who might otherwise remain unheard.

As with the label’s best work, the packaging and liner notes are as crucial as the recordings—respectfully contextualizing each artist while leaving space for the mystery that makes this music so magnetic.