Abu al-Hasan 'Ali Ibn Nafi', commonly known as Ziryab, was a singer, oud and lute player, composer, poet, and teacher. He lived and worked in what is now Iraq, West Asia, and Andalusia during the medieval Islamic period. He was also a polymath, with knowledge in astronomy, geography, meteorology, botanics, cosmetics, culinary art, and fashion. 777 – 857; died at about 80. Alive at the same time as Charlemagne, Muḥammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, Ādi Shankara, Al-Shafi'i, and Abu Nuwas. Wiki link