Kurdish Folk Spotlight: A new ensemble, “Kizhani Kurdistan,” launched with a big public folk concert in Al-Sulaymaniyah, bringing 70 singers, musicians and choir members from across Iraq’s Kurdistan Region to revive Kurdish heritage songs and back young talent. Istanbul Craft Watch: Istanbul’s Ottoman-era cymbal-making tradition is still alive, with master cymbalsmiths handcrafting bronze cymbals using techniques passed down for centuries—linking Ottoman mehter roots to today’s global music scene. Iraq Music Loss: Iraqi musician and conductor Abdul Razzaq Al-Azzawi has died in Baghdad after a health crisis; he was the first Iraqi to conduct the National Symphony Orchestra in 1974. Artist on Tour: Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen announced a new world tour, “DiMENSIONS,” framing the show as an emotional, personal portrait beyond his famous voice. Music + Politics Tension: A pro-Palestine “Free Palestine” moment at a Singapore concert led to detention and a re-entry ban for Massive Attack members, keeping the spotlight on how music can trigger security crackdowns. UK Arena News: Egyptian star Tamer Hosny returns to London for an autumn headline at OVO Arena Wembley—his first arena show in eight years. Shipping/Strait of Hormuz: Iran and Oman talks are in focus as markets weigh whether Strait of Hormuz reopening will actually boost shipping soon.