Be Known

Be Known is a gripping musical documentary that was released in the year 2015. This exceptional film centers around the life and career journey of an extraordinary artist - Kahil El Zabar. He is an internationally celebrated percussionist, an educator, and a prolific composer. Be Known is an intimate exploration of El Zabar's mission to create music with purposing, enmeshing a wide range of musical genres including jazz, ethnic music, and even modern dance performances. This powerful film offers audiences a unique view into his intricate world of music and doesn't hold back when elucidating his burning passion for the art form.

Directed by eminent filmmaker Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, Be Known showcases the life of Kahil El Zabar, sketching the fascinating personal journey of this music dynamo, from his rise and struggles to his remarkable accomplishments in the world of music. The unique narrative structure, blending facts with heartfelt scenes, provides a deeply touching account of this man and his incredible zest for music. And yes, El Zabar is not only a performer and educator in the film, he’s also an interviewee, delving into his inspirational background and opening up about his incandescent musical journey.

Central to the film’s essence is the free-flowing jazz music with Ernest Dawkins, Fareed Haque, and many other musician friends of El Zabar. El Zabar's relentless dedication and commitment to his craft, combined with the raw and riveting performances by these talented musicians, take the musical experience of this film to an unparalleled radiance. The film encapsulates El Zabar’s journey of making it in the music industry, his approach to creating music, and the struggle to achieve recognition on a larger scale.

Ernest Dawkins, a phenomenal artist known for his magical command over the saxophone, is prominently featured throughout the film. His partnership with El Zabar, both on stage and off, forms an intriguing thread in the movie's narrative. The film also encases the virtuosic guitar skills of Fareed Haque, adding even more musical depth to the movie.

The cinematography beautifully captures the essence of the hard-knock world of jazz and El Zabar’s dedication toward it. The close frames in performance sequences allow the audience to really get under the skin of the artists, essentially witnessing firsthand their immense talent and unwavering passion for jazz. The film has a rhythmic pulse that seems to echo the heartbeats of its central artist, El Zabar.

In addition to the music, Be Known provides viewers with a snapshot into the life of El Zabar, contributing intimate scenes from his everyday life. It celebrates his successes, while also opening up discussions about the obstacles he faces in his personal world. This balance between his personal and professional life makes Be Known an engaging voyage into the life of an incredibly talented artist.

Audiences will enjoy the brief moments when El Zabar spiritually connects with his craft, playing his drums not as if he is performing but as though he is participating in a deeply personal conversation or a therapeutic meditation. These small, poignant moments further enhance the relationship between El Zabar and his music, providing a beautifully intimate cross-section of how madly in love he is with his art.

Classic jazz aficionados will find this enchanting film a hidden treasure, allowing them an engaging opportunity to reconnect with the roots of their favorite genre. The riveting performances will keep you hooked, while El Zabar's emphatic personality will leave you charmed and inspired.

Be Known isn’t just about the life of a musician, it’s about the soul of music and the heartbeat that continues to push an artist forward. It’s a tale of raw talent, unyielding passion, ardent dedication, and the fervor to Be Known. A must-watch for all music lovers, this film provides an up-close-and-personal look at the immense passion and dedication that fuels the world of music. Not just a feast for the ears but also for the eyes and soul, Be Known is a captivating film about a truly charismatic and driven musician, Kahil El Zabar.