Bashar Murad + Khansa + «Lovers Hymn» by LEILA HAFZI (Lebanon / Palestine / Norway)
- MUNCH
- Doors: 18.30
- Concert: 19.30: Lovers Hymn 19.45: Khansa 21.00: Bashar Murad
- Price: 300,- / 200,- + fee
Oslo World, Queer World, Oslo Pride and MUNCH present a double concert with Khansa and Bashar Murad - two groundbreaking artists with queer backgrounds who represent the range and potential of contemporary Middle Eastern pop music at the moment. Before the concerts, there will be a performance with designer Leila Hafzi's "Lovers Hymn" - a tribute to Palestine, packed with symbolic references based on Palestinian cultural crafts and embroidery patterns. Your ticket for this concert also grants free entry to the MUNCH Museum. Show your ticket at the front desk for access to the museum.
Khansa
Avant-garde twist on belly dancing tradition
Beirut-based KHANSA is a multifaceted Lebanese artist expressing himself through singing, electronica and belly dance. Although men have been known in the circles of baladi dance, it remains a rare and daring practice. “The goal is to break stereotypes of classical and traditional Middle Eastern values regarding masculinity” says Khansa. Born in Ghobeiry, one of Beirut’s southern suburbs, Khansa got interested in gender-bending performance from a young age, inspired by Arab stars like Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum. He is part of a long tradition of belly dancing practices that trace their origins to Egypt and today have distinct styles present from Turkey to Lebanon.
Khansa wants to make room for something new through his movement and genre-bending music. His avant-garde electropop weaves a universe of sensual electronica that flirts with contemporary baladi dance. His performances are a series of vignettes with different cultural references: everything from religion, art and coffee with an ex, to sharing untold stories about the SWANA region that celebrate love, intimacy, eroticism and Arab queer identity.
Bashar Murad
Musical search for freedom in an occupied country
Bashar Murad is a Palestinian Pop artist, singer/songwriter, and filmmaker producing globally influenced pop music rooted in Palestinian spirit. His music challenges stereotypes and highlights social issues facing Palestinian youth, including living under the occupation, within patriarchal settings. Whether he's performing in a wedding dress or singing about gender diversity, Bashar is always taking risks and expanding critical thinking. His single “Klefi/Samed” was a collaboration with Icelandic Industrial Punk band Hatari, who gained attention for unfurling scarves with the Palestinian flag during the results show of the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest held at Tel Aviv. Bashar also performed with them on Icelandic television and performed around Iceland, Roskilde Festival, and Tallinn Music Week. Bashar’s musical sounds span pop, electronica and modal inflections rooted in his expansive and creative sonic world.
His latest release is the EP “Nafas”. Shortly after releasing it, Bashar competed in the Icelandic Eurovision National Selections, with “Wild West”, produced by Icelandic artist and collaborator Einar Stefan. His participation sparked international media attention, where he finally landed in second place in Iceland’s Eurovision final. Murad will guest Oslo World during Pride, and we’re looking forward to having him back during this year's festival at Munch!
“Lovers Hymn” by Leila Hafzi
Designer Leila Hafzi has worked with sustainable design and production in Nepal and the Himalayas since 1997. Hafzi has been a pioneer in social justice in the international fashion industry, and she has put the environmental aspect on the agenda in the industry. She has received a number of awards for this work both in Norway and internationally. She has also dressed stars such as Kylie Minogue, Angelina Jolie and on several occasions HKHKP Mette-Marit. In 2020, Hafzi received ELLE award "International Sustainable Brand", in Barcelona.
In Hafzi’s new dress collection the Gaza war is the thematic pivot point. The performance 6.10.24 is a tribute to Palestine, packed with symbolic references based on Palestinian cultural crafts and embroidery patterns. One of the dresses is embroidered with cypress - a tree species common in the Middle East and known for its durability. It is a motif that refers to the strong resilience of the Palestinian people. In one of the other dresses from the new collection, Hafzi uses her recognizable chiffon silk in a way that makes it look like gauze, as the medical gauze originated from the Gaza area.
Choreographer Marianne Haugli is educated at the Academy of Dance in Oslo, in modern contemporary dance. She is a Norwegian dancer, model and choreographer. She won the award for choreographer of the year at Oslo Fashion Week 2008 and 2009 and was awarded the State's artist grant for young dance artists 2009-2011. Haugli has choreographed almost all of Leila Hafzi's shows, including "Lovers Hymn".
In collaboration with Oslo Pride and Queer World.
