Tamaas perfectly captures the spirit of this festival; a powerful collision of musical traditions, cultures and ideas
Get ready for an unforgettable night of electrifying music and cultural fusion at the Tamaas Festival, hosted by The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi!
From 13 February, the festival will bring together four world-renowned artists for their UAE debut, offering a dynamic mix of traditional roots and modern beats that will have you dancing from start to finish.
The meaning of Tamaas
View this post on Instagram
Tamaas, meaning contact in Arabic, perfectly captures the spirit of this festival; a powerful collision of musical traditions, cultures and ideas.
From Afro-Cuban rhythms to Moroccan electronic beats, this event will showcase a dazzling variety of sounds that celebrate both the past and the present.
Let the music begin!
The festival kicks off with an open-air concert at The East Plaza from 7pm to 10pm, where the stage will come alive with two high-energy performances.
First up is Cimafunk, the Afro-Cuban sensation known for his unique blend of Afro-Cuban funk, hip-hop, and soulful rhythms.
Drawing inspiration from his heritage as a “cimarron,” or a Cuban of African descent who resisted and escaped slavery, Cimafunk is ready to bring the spirit of defiance and liberation to the UAE!
Next, prepare to be wowed by KOKOKO!, a revolutionary electronic duo from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These trailblasers are known for creating electrifying sounds using DIY instruments made from repurposed materials, giving traditional African music a futuristic twist. Their performance is sure to defy expectations and keep you on your feet.
But the party doesn’t stop there! At 10 pm, head over to The Black Box for an unforgettable set by Abosahar, Egypt’s own ‘King of Trobby Music.’
A master of electro shaabi (or mahraganat) music, Abosahar will take you on a journey through his unique cultural soundscape, blending electro beats with the heartbeat of Egyptian folk music.
You might also like: Bygones at The Project Space at NYU Abu Dhabi
The final act: Aïta Mon Amour
Finally, rounding out the night is Aïta Mon Amour, a group that’s putting a modern spin on Moroccan popular music.
Featuring Widad Mjama, a trailblazer of female rap in Morocco, and Khalil Epi, a major figure in the Arab electronic music scene, this duo will deliver an updated interpretation of traditional music with a contemporary twist.
If you’re into cultural reimaginings that push boundaries, this is the performance you don’t want to miss!
Beyond the music: NYUAD night souk
If you’re in the mood for some shopping while soaking in the festival atmosphere, don’t miss the NYUAD Night Souk!
Running from 4pm to 10pm, this vibrant market will feature 40 local vendors showcasing handmade soaps, candles, jewelry, artwork, and more; perfect for picking up unique souvenirs or gifts that support local artisans.
A festival with meaning
View this post on Instagram
Bill Bragin, Executive Artistic Director at The Arts Center, shared the deeper significance behind Tamaas: “This festival is about more than just music. It’s about creating a space for artists from around the world to come together and celebrate their cultures.
“It’s about sparking conversations, not only between the artists themselves but also with the communities here in the UAE. Tamaas Festival is a celebration of artistic innovation, cross-cultural exchange, and the power of music to unite us all.”
Whether you’re a fan of Afro-Cuban funk, experimental African sounds, Egyptian electronic music, or contemporary Moroccan pop, the Tamaas Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience.
So, grab your tickets, get ready to groove, and join us for a night where cultures collide and music knows no boundaries!
Follow Yalla for all the latest news
