Mood Band

In 2016, during his second year in Turkey, Omar Alkilani co-founded Mood Band. The band began by playing Arabic oriental music on Istanbul's bustling Istiklal Street in Taksim, one of the most crowded streets in Turkey. From these humble beginnings as street musicians, Mood Band quickly evolved into a professional project, performing over 200 gigs and music events across Turkey.

Mood Band has produced multiple video clips and made a significant appearance on TRT Müzik's program "Rastgele," where they performed their unique rendition of the classic Arabic song "التوبة." The band has collaborated extensively with UNHCR Turkey, performing at World Refugee Day events in 2018 and 2019, and participating in an online concert in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The band also took part in the Istanbul Jazz Festival 2019 alongside American artist Lucy Woodward, organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) with the UNHCR, and sponsored by Garanti Bank BBVA. In 2022, they performed at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara for World Refugee Day. Mood Band has participated in various other prestigious events, such as the "Colors of Taksim" Music Festival by Collective Cultures, the IMECE Music concert in 2020 by Habitat Association and UNHCR, and the Multicultural Sound Festival sponsored by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Istanbul Şişli Municipality and the (MUDEM) Refugee Support Association.

Their performances have also taken place at the Netherlands Consulate-General in Istanbul, MEF University, Haliç Congress Center, two music events at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Imra International Migration and Refugee Association, and Kadıköy Yaşam Festival sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Istanbul Kadıköy Municipality, Ardıç Solidarity Association, Beraberce Association, and VHS DVV International. Additionally, they have played at numerous local bars and restaurants in Istanbul, including Hancı Sahne, Ren Bar, Frida Cafe, Zebercet Terras Taksim, Ghetto Beyoğlu, Arsen Lüpen Taksim, Bova Jazz Club, Uçan Ev, Kadıköy Sahne, and Masallar Cafe & Restaurant.

Mood Band’s lineup includes a range of talented musicians: Violinist Munzer Sheikh Alkar (a member of the Artists Syndicate in Syria), Guitarist Omar Alkilani, Qanun Player Adnan Khdir, Keyboardist Hamode Shekh Ali, Bass Guitarist Mehrpouya Khosravi from Iran, Singer Abdulkadir Algeylani, and Percussionists Basel and Wasim Sheikh Alkar. The band has also collaborated with notable artists such as Grammy nominee master percussionist Souhail Kaspar, famous Syrian singer Baker Shamdeen, Algerian keyboardist Wassim Mataoui, and the Algerian artist Kamilya Ward.

Mood Band has also worked with prominent artists in several performances, including the Iraqi singer Aseel Hameem. They played for her on stage in the 2021 New Year's concert organized and produced by Saltana Production. They also collaborated with Iraqi singer Adam Raafat in an official Arabic music video produced by Music Al Remas TV and Music Productions Ltd. The song, titled "يا غرامي" (Ya Gharami), which translates to "My Beloved" in English, was a notable project. Additionally, they have played with the Tunisian artist Lotfi Boushnak, Lebanese artist Lama Shreif, and Algerian artist Kamilya Ward.

The band appeared on Alaraby TV Network's Arabic program series "The Strange Neighbor," which explores fascinating locations worldwide. Their episode centered on Istanbul's iconic Istiklal Street, known for its lively atmosphere and cultural significance. They were also featured in an article on Research Gate in English, which highlights how political, legal, social, and economic changes have influenced not only their daily lives but also their musical practices, performance venues, repertoires, and the meanings attached to these elements. The study, conducted by Evrim Hikmet Öğüt, an Associate Professor specializing in musicology and migration studies at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul, sheds light on the intricate social relations and issues affecting both migrant musicians and other actors. Öğüt was awarded the ICTM 2022 Best Article for her research on Syrian street music in Istanbul.

Mood Band has been featured in various media outlets. They performed on Alaraby TV's program "Joe Show" (or "Joe Tube") and were featured in interviews on the Turkish channel Artı TV, Arab 24 News, Sabah Turkish news, and 1+1 Express while performing in the streets. These appearances have documented their remarkable journey from street musicians to a celebrated band, reflecting their resilience and dedication to their craft.