Created to be the meeting place of global-minded musicians, the festival reflects varied influences and identities that bring the contemporary and the traditional together.
Bringing diversity to the UAE capital like never before, the seventh edition of the much-anticipated Barzakh Festival is almost here! Running from 3-4 February, the festival brings together global-minded musicians to create a boundary-pushing lineup.
On Day 1, guests will get to catch the amazing CGS – Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino (Italy) and Lemma (Algeria) in action.
The first and most important group to produce popular Salentinian music from southern Italy, CGS is now led by his award-winning multi-instrumentalist son, Mauro Durante.
As for Lemma, this powerful all-female band presents a joyful symphony of several music genres from the spiritual to the most earthly. They sing texts borrowed from the mystical odes and supplications from the hadra sessions, as well as passages from some well-known malhûn texts.
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Day 2 will witness the UAE debut of Ak Dan Gwang Chil (ADG7), an award-winning group from Korea. The powerhouse group performs from the sacred, shamanic, and secular gut (ritual music) and minyo (folk song) traditions of the Hwanghae-do region, nowadays a western province of North Korea.
You will also find the eclectic tunes of Sahra Halgan plus band, bringing a mix of original and traditional music from Somaliland. The mix primarily relies on distorted guitars, African percussion, and Sahra’s distinctive warbling vocals. Singing about love, gratitude, and rebuilding her nation using poetry typical of the Somali language, she’ll transport you to another realm.
In addition to the fabulous music, enjoy a night souk style artisan shopping experience with quality street food and 40 locally based artisan stalls. Shop a plethora of items ranging from handmade soaps, candles, local artwork, jewellery, home décor, pottery, and many more.
Do something different with the family and soak in all the culture!
Date
3-4 February
Location
The East Plaza
For more information and bookings, visit nyuad-artscenter.org/en_US/events/dayplanner
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