Lutherkirche Südstadt

Creeol Island music from the Indian Ocean

Four outstanding musicians from the islands of Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, and La Réunion present a unique concert project: MOREKOMA. In oral tradition and collective creativity, new compositions emerge, arranged live with almost 20 traditional and modern instruments. The artists are not only the musical voices of their homeland but also committed activists for environmental protection, sustainable development, and cultural heritage.

Their music reflects the challenges of post-colonial everyday life and the threats posed by the climate crisis, as well as the richness of creole languages, spirituality, and cultural diversity. Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and animistic elements are incorporated, as well as musical styles from Sega and Maloya to Twarab, Mgodround Shigoma.

Featuring:

Rakotonirina Jean a.k.a. Bosco Rakoto (Madagascar) – master of traditional instruments like Sodina, Kabosy, and Valiha
Eliasse Ben Joma (Comoros) – charismatic guitarist and singer with deep roots in Comorian music
Sarasvati Mallac (Mauritius) – multi-instrumentalist with Ravanne, Erhu, Harmonium, and a unique voice
Christine Salem (La Réunion) – powerful interpreter of Maloya, with Kayamb and Rouleur

The artistic direction is led by Percy Yip Tong (Mauritius), one of the most important curators and producers of creole music from the Indian Ocean.

MOREKOMA is part of the concert series Unity in Diversity, which celebrates musical diversity as an expression of global interconnectedness.

Niyaz is an internationally acclaimed music group, founded by singer and composer Azam Ali and Iranian multi-instrumentalist and composer Loga Ramin Torkian. Their music combines traditional Persian and Middle Eastern sounds with modern electronic elements, creating a unique soundscape that transcends cultural boundaries.

With four successful and critically acclaimed albums on the prestigious label Six Degrees Records – all reaching number 1 on iTunes – Niyaz has earned worldwide recognition. The band has been featured by NPR, PRI, BBC World, Billboard, The Wall Street Journal, and The Huffington Post. SPIN Magazine named Niyaz one of the top ten live performances across all music genres worldwide in 2023.

Musicians:
Azam Ali – vocals
Loga Ramin Torkian – guitar, viola, and lafta
Sinan Cem Eroglu – kaval and kopuz
Gabriel Ethier – keyboards and electronics
Iman Ali Torkian – electric cello
Habib Meftah – percussion

Music to break the silence
Μουσική για να σπάσει η σιωπή
Sessizliği Bozmak İçin Müzik

In a world that is often marked by suffering, war, and poverty, there is an unmistakable voice calling us to act. The music we experience together today is not just a melody – it is a cry, a declaration for those who must remain in silence while injustice rages around us. Let us stand together, loud and united against the wrongs that live in the shadows. Every note, every line of text is a step towards a better world. Together we can break the silence and open hearts: for democracy, freedom, empathy, understanding, and love.

The unique Greek-German band with Kurdish influence promises a concert experience of the highest caliber. Gefyra means "bridge" in Greek and masterfully connects the East with Europe. With their ten talented musicians, they present a diverse repertoire deeply rooted in Greek folk music, but also incorporating influences from the Balkans, Turkey, and Kurdistan. 

The band Gefyra begins their summer tour this year in Cologne. On stage are ten musicians with Greek and Kurdish roots – companions who give the songs a different and shared perspective through the sounds of string and percussion instruments.

Kyriakos Gkouventas (violin) Mariastella Tzanoudaki (vocals), Özgur Murat (vocals, kaval), Deniz Köseoglu (saz), Giorgos Georgolopoulos (bouzouki, Dasho Kourti (accordion), Vasilis Ketentzoglou (classical guitar), Evi Kanelou(p percussion), Spiros Asonitis (guitar, vocals), Nikos Tsachtsiris (double bass)

The band is actively engaged against racism, any form of violence and discrimination

“Voices Unveiled“ is a three-part original composition by Ehsan Matoori that combines traditional and folkloric Iranian music—particularly from Southern Iran—with modern fusion elements. The work highlights the powerful voices of two Iranian singers, Maliheh Moradi and Mina Deris, and gives space to stories that are often silenced. The composition follows the emotional journeys of two women searching for freedom, identity, and self-expression beyond societal constraints.
Since its premiere in February 2023, “Voices Unveiled” has been performed over 40 times in North America, reaching more than 15,000 attendees. Characteristic pieces like “Ashireh,” “Darya,” “Moon’s Hiding,” and “Freedom Story” deeply touched the audience and received wide recognition. The project has been met with overwhelming positive feedback from a diverse audience at all performances. In recognition of its artistic and cultural significance, “Voices Unveiled” was awarded the New Music USA Award 2023. The project continues to tour internationally and will be seen on stage until the end of 2025 to bring these powerful voices and stories to the world.

Presented by Diwan e.V. Köln
The organizer reserves the right to refuse entry at their discretion.

The musician Elektro Hafiz is a musician, born and raised in Istanbul, who has recently moved to Cologne. His sound is reminiscent of hypnotic wedding music known from border villages in southeastern Turkey. When the energetic atmosphere of this music is combined with Hafız's overdrive-fuzz tones, a unique style emerges that can be interpreted as both psychedelic and punk. 

He loves to play with contrasts and create new compositions from them. This open and experimental approach has remained his trademark, as well as his provocative style, which is complemented by a touch of humor. His diverse compositions are strongly influenced by his roots in Istanbul. This is especially evident in his preferred instruments, the electric Saz and the electric guitar, which are featured in most of his pieces.

The musician Elektro Hafız is a musician who was born and raised in Istanbul and has recently moved to Cologne. His sound recalls the hypnotic wedding music known from border villages in southeastern Turkey. When this music's energetic atmosphere combines with Hafız's overdrive-fuzz tones, a unique style emerges that could be interpreted as both psychedelic and punk. He enjoys playing with contrasts and creating new compositions from them. This open and experimental approach has become his signature, along with his provocative style, complemented by a touch of humor. His varied compositions are strongly influenced by his roots in Istanbul. This is particularly evident in the instruments he prefers, the electric Saz and the electric guitar, which are used in most of his works.