Biography

Islam Ghallab (Odqin) is an Egyptian musician, music producer, and frontman of the Odqin Ensemble. His work blends elements of hip-hop and jazz to create a distinctive, soulful soundscape.

Active in music since 2007, Odqin [pronounced Odd-Kin] released his debut EP, Afterthought, in 2019. Since then, he’s explored new sounds with projects like Fragments of Self and Leftovers Vol. 1 (2024). Along the way, he’s collaborated with other artists, including producing Coming in 3s for London-based rapper Finn Foxell.

Odqin Ensemble

Odqin Ensemble is a Malmö and Copenhagen-based nu-jazz collective, delivering an energetic and interactive experience for audiences. Rooted in improvisation, each performance is a unique and unrepeatable interpretation of the music.

The ensemble grew out of Odqin, a solo project, expanding into a full band setting in 2024. Since then, the band has steadily built its live presence, performing at festivals such as Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Malmö Sommarscen, and Vinterjazz, alongside club and venue appearances across Malmö and Copenhagen.

The ensemble consists of:

• Islam Ghallab: Production + Synthesizers

• Roy Moonen: Drums


• Gareth Davies: Bass


• Thiery Marazanye: Keys


• Jon Sensmeier: Saxophone


• Esther Sue: Vocals

Notable Performances

• Cairo Jazz Festival (2022) - Cairo, Egypt

• Copenhagen Jazz Festival (2024) - Balders Plads - Copenhagen

• Malmö Sommarscen (2025) - Pildammsteatern, Malmö

• Vinterjazz (2026) - Christianshavns Beboerhus, Copenhagen

• Copenhagen Jazz Festival (2026) - Pumpehuset - Byhaven, Copenhagen

• Copenhagen Jazz Festival (2026) - Balders Plads, Copenhagen

• Moriska Paviljongen (2026) - Malmö