Marcel Khalifé is one of those rare musicians who defines the word "artist." He seems able to feel, to empathize, to emote on a level that is much more profound than the average human. Add serious intellect to his acute sensitivity and you get some powerful music. Politicians and clerics have been afraid of the power of his art. Numerous times, his art has been censored and he’s sat before courts, defending his work — and fought for the fundamental right for creative free expression.

The 62-year-old Lebanese vocalist and master oud player became famous across the Arab world in the 1970s, when he first composed music to the words of Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. The two artists forged a unique bond that lasted more than three decades, until Darwish died in 2008.

Regarding their connection, Khalifé says, “Even before we got to know each other personally, I felt as though Darwish’s poetry, with its divine assertiveness and prophetic cadences, had been revealed to me and for me.”

In turn, Darwish called Khalifé "his heart's artistic twin." Khalifé’s latest work, a double album called Fall of the Moon, celebrates the work of Darwish, and the long-awaited Arab Spring. Khalifé is currently on tour in Canada with the Al Mayadine Ensemble.

CBC World asked Khalifé a few questions about the new work, and the Arab Spring.

Q: Four years after the death of Mahmoud Darwish, how is his legacy evolving?

A: I think Darwish is as read now as he was alive, if not more. He has left us a rich and expansive works that we can continue to draw on for years to come. He also has inspired many young and emerging artists in the Arab world who draw on his poetry for their artistic projects and creations. His work is timeless.

Q: With “no modern parallel to the artistic bond between you and Darwish,” how much of your inspiration do you owe to him?

A: I owe a great deal to Mahmoud Darwish and his poetry. His poetry occupied a large part of my lyrical works, even though I have composed and put music to song for other accomplished contemporary Arab poets.

Q: What other artist do you find especially inspirational?

A: I do not only draw inspiration from works of others, it could come from nature and beauty, even from common people and their daily struggles in pursuit of a better life and happiness.

Q: You've said, “Every serious and sincere musical work reflects revolution, the artist is by nature a rebel; one must be rebellious with his writing and creative projects." In the context of that quote, who are some other “rebels” who you deeply admire? And why?

A: Throughout history there are many works from myriad of nationalities and cultures whose works in their respective fields, interests and work that stood out and their impact on their societies and cultures were transformational. They were non-conformist and were courageous to challenge the status quo, inherited social norms and traditions. They were willing to take risks

Q: One year after the Arab Spring, are we still moving towards an Arab world where the importance of freedom of expression is paramount?

A: Yes, I think we are moving towards that even though there might be bumps and obstacles along the way. There will always be attempts to roll back the tide of history towards freedom, democracy and social and economic justice towards more egalitarian societies in the Arab world by those who supported and benefited from the old order. The era of despotism is receding and the pillars of oppression are crumbling. The Arab street has awakened and have broken the stranglehold of fear and are willing to sacrifice a lot to bring about the freedom and dignity that they seek for themselves and the future generations.

Q: How is the civil war in Syria affecting you?

A: It is heartbreaking for any human being, especially from the Arab world, to see the wanton death and destruction that has been wrought on the Syrian people and how a rich, diverse culture and society that traces its civilization to ancient times is systematically being dismembered. What would affect me the most is the suffering and slaughter of innocent children and women.

Q: What do you think will bring peace to Syria?

A: [It] is to steer Syria on the path of genuine reform and change that gives the Syrian people their long-sought quest for freedom, dignity, social justice and equality. Those are the same aspirations that the revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and Bahrain, Libya and other Arab countries. It is hypocritical for anyone to support a revolution in one country and deny it in another. The Arab revolutions are indivisible.

Q: How will Lebanon, your home, and other neighbouring countries be affected by the violence in Syria?

A: The danger lies in the spread of violence to other neighbouring countries due to foreign interference and manipulation of the conflict for the interest of outside powers. This will plunge the area into a regional conflagration with devastating unpredictable outcome.

Marcel Khalifé plays in Ottawa on Oct. 5, Montreal Oct. 6 and Toronto Oct. 7. This is an artist you must see.