Born in 1963 in al-Kut, a city in southern Iraq. He studied at Baghdad Institute of Music where in 1987 he received a diploma in musical art. After finishing his studies he began to specialize in oud playing.
Oud is an Arabian folk instrument, the name is derived from the word al`ud, which means a tree, it is an Arabian type of lute with 5 or 6 double strings.
Following the famous description of oud in al-Farabi manuscript of 9th century, Naseer Shamma built his own eight-string lute. Such modernization of the instrument – with eight strings instead of six –expands the musical range of the lute and gives the oud a unique timbre. Naseer Shamma’s technique of playing the oud is a combination of ancient techniques with the results of his own creative ideas and experiences. Innovations introduced by the artist go far beyond the construction itself: he worked out a new method of playing the oud with one hand, which enables also handicapped people to play and enjoy the instrument.
Naseer Shamma has created his own music from the beginnings of his career. Giving concerts in different parts of the world has become his main activity. He is now one of the most respected and prolific musicians playing the oud. Naseer is director of Beit al-Oud al-Arabi in al-Harawi group (Cairo), which he established in 1998.
Naseer Shamma received several international awards and distinctions, among the most important ones are: award for Best Emotional Melody in Iraq (1986), for Best Arabic Music (Gerash Festival, Jordan, 1988), he was honoured three times by the Iraqi Artistic Syndicate (1988, 1989 and 1990), award of the High Musical Institute during the 5th edition of Theatre Days in Carthage for the best musical work from the play Contemporary Love Story (1990), Agadir City Medal (Morocco, 1992), award for best artist in Iraq (1994), Portuguese Universities Medal (Lisbon, 1996).