Music is a language of protest and creates networks of solidarity. That is the ethos behind Sarkash سرکش Underground, a festival for hip-hop, rap, trap, and experimental sounds from Afghanistan, Balochistan, and Kashmir taking place in Berlin on August 1st at Marmorbar & Oelgarten. We spoke to organizer Armeghan Taheri about what it means to host a festival for the diaspora of a region where music is banned.
The Iranian singer Faravaz will release her debut, "Azadi" (meaning "Freedom" in Farsi), on May 11th. The record recounts the story of her life in exile in Germany because the Iranian government sentenced her to one year in prison for the act of singing as a woman. Choosing to not return to her homeland, Faravaz fights for women’s rights from abroad. Her music is driven by the yearning and fight for liberation from patriarchal oppression.
The Glasgow-based artist Intibint uses creative expression to call to light injustice. Her latest single, "Ymn Alsa3eed" is inspired by the complicated relationship she has to Yemen—the country where she grew up but has not been able to return to since a civil war broke out in 2014. In conversation with Ilo Toerkell, Intibint speaks about her musical beginnings, the inspiration behind the new song, and why the war in Yemen should not be a forgotten one.
Parallel to the film festival, Berlinale, several local organisations are organising a counter-program. Falastin Cinema Week is hosted by Refuge Worldwide, AL.Berlin, Jewish Bund, Diaspora Rising and many others. From 17 to 21st of February, you can experience film screenings, talks, and art exploring Palestinian histories and decolonial narratives.
The Irish rap group KNEECAP make their origin story into a film filled to the brim with hedonistic adventures and rebellious attitude. Winning critical acclaim, the movie proudly celebrates Irish heritage today. "KNEECAP" will premiere in the German cinemas on January 30th. Felicia Aghaye reports back from the preview.
The artists Najib and Ahmed Eid collaborated with several other musicians on the release of "Spirit Of the Soul روح الروح". The song pays tribute to the recently killed Palestinian man Khaled Nabhan and his granddaughter Reem. Proceeds from this soli release will go towards supporting humanitarian efforts in the region.
Based between Cairo and New York City, Felukah incorporates the essence of both cities in her sound bending hip hop, RnB, dance music and Egyptian classics to her liking. Her effortless flow in Arabic and English, reminds of the sail boats on Nile River from which Felukah takes her artist name. Ahead of her "Before the Sun" tour, we caught up with the artist.
Emel Mathlouthi (آمال مثلوثي) releases her new record "MRA" - a celebration of feminist solidarity and a tribute to her voice. In this interview, we talk about current day protest music and embodying the boundless facets of her artistry.
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