For Sulaymaniyah musician Tara Talai, the daf is both discipline and escape

SULAYMANIYAH — Tara Talai has played the daf for 15 years and says music plays a key role in her daily life. “During performance, I completely merge with it — it gives me a stronger feeling,” she told 964media.

Talai, who is also a university instructor, said her academic responsibilities can be mentally exhausting. “With daf performance, I calm my mind,” she said. “I think everyone should value an artistic practice.”

“Music is a feeling,” she added. “It’s a feeling that originates from within our hearts and is presented to the public so they can connect with it.”

The daf is a large frame drum used in traditional and classical music across the Middle East and Central Asia.

She said that whenever she picks up an instrument, she tries to fully connect her thoughts with the melody and rhythm. “I want the emotion to reach the listener,” she said.

Talai emphasized the importance of emotional engagement in art. “In every artistic field, it’s essential to connect spiritually with the subject. We should perform with sensitivity,” she said, noting that she finds joy in blending her sound with that of other musicians and vocalists.

“I believe all of us need to integrate our daily lives with the world of art — whether that’s music, theater, or sculpture,” she said.

She also noted that artists convey both silenced and unspoken voices and bring happiness and calm to people. “Music gives us peace,” she said, adding that she has helped many others learn the art of daf playing.