Date: Dec 13, 2025

Venue: The Garage

Address: 20-22 Highbury Cor, London N5 1RD

Time: 23:00

Ages: 18+

Lace up your dancing shoes, and get ready to take the dance floor to the musical soundtrack of your favourite late-night Arabic party!

Hishek Bishek is a pulsing club night dedicated to the Arabic-speaking world’s popular music history and vibrant sonic cultures. From chart-topping Iraqi and Lebanese dancefloor hits, and the newest releases from Egypt’s underground, to Palestinian electronic dabke and nostalgic synthed-out 90’s classics, Hishek Bishek has become a vibrant staple in London’s late-night club scene.

Guidelines for our guests and the community: We strive to make Hishek Bishek a safe space. There is no tolerance for Homophobia, Sexism, Transphobia, Racism, Anti-Blackness, Religious Discrimination, Ableism and/or Classism at our club nights. If you demonstrate any of the behaviours above you will be asked to leave. The venue and Hishek team reserve the right to remove anyone that is making fellow party-goers feel uncomfortable.

This event is 18+

*You must bring photo ID that is not expired (examples of accepted ID: drivers license, passport, BRP, or any other form of valid government-issued photo ID – can be international). Unfortunately, refunds cannot be provided if you are not able to show your ID to the venue’s security upon arrival.

With over 30 editions
There is no tolerance for Homophobia, Sexism, Transphobia, Racism, Anti-Blackness, Religious Discrimination, Ableism and/or Classism at our Hishek Bishek club nights.

If you demonstrate any of the behaviours above you will be asked to leave. The venue and Hishek team reserve the right to remove anyone who is making fellow party-goers feel uncomfortable.

Date: December 04, 2025

Venue: Alhambra

Address: Rue de la Rôtisserie 10, 1204 Genève, Switzerland

Time: 19:30

The trailblazing Cairokee returns to Europe in 2025

With a genre-bending rock sound that has stood the test of time, Cairokee has become one of the Middle East’s most electrifying bands.

Join Cairokee, Egypt’s trailblazing rock collective, as they ignite Europe with their powerful fusion of indie rock, pop, and revolutionary spirit. After storming stages across North America and the Middle East, the band brings their electrifying live show to audiences all over Europe

Amir Eid (vocals), Sherif Hawary (guitar), Tamer Hashem (drums), Sherif Mostafa (keys) Adam El-Alfy (bass) are the fabulous five piece band who’ve been friends and collaborators since 2003 championing freedom and identity through Middle Eastern melodies with the grit and glam of true rock stars.

Date: November 29, 2025

Venue: The Barbican Hall

Address: Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

Time: 20:00

Le Trio Joubran, renowned ambassadors of Palestinian music and culture, mark a major milestone and celebrate their 20th anniversary.

The Trio of three brothers, known for mesmerising audiences with their oud playing, celebrate this occasion with a special concert featuring a string quartet and percussion, performing the best of their music compositions and the voice of Mahmoud Darwish and his poetry. This project premiered at Philharmonie de Paris, where the Trio received the Order of Arts and Letters from the French ministry of culture in recognition of their cultural engagement.

Twenty Springs captures the essence of the trio’s timeless appeal. By Embracing each year like a new spring, they convey a sense of renewal, defying the constraints of time. This metaphor underscores the group’s enduring passion and dedication to compositions which transcend borders and generation. This anniversary celebration is a testament to their lasting impact on the world of music.

Age guidance: this event is suitable for audiences aged 5+ and under 14’s must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or over.

Produced by the Barbican in association with Marsm.

Date: November 29, 2025

Venue: Huxley Neu Welt

Address: Hasenheide 107/113, 10967 Berlin, Germany

Time: 19:30

The trailblazing Cairokee returns to Europe in 2025

With a genre-bending rock sound that has stood the test of time, Cairokee has become one of the Middle East’s most electrifying bands.

Join Cairokee, Egypt’s trailblazing rock collective, as they ignite Europe with their powerful fusion of indie rock, pop, and revolutionary spirit. After storming stages across North America and the Middle East, the band brings their electrifying live show to audiences all over Europe

Amir Eid (vocals), Sherif Hawary (guitar), Tamer Hashem (drums), Sherif Mostafa (keys) Adam El-Alfy (bass) are the fabulous five piece band who’ve been friends and collaborators since 2003 championing freedom and identity through Middle Eastern melodies with the grit and glam of true rock stars.

Date: November 24, 2025

Venue: Paral-lel 62

Address: Avinguda del Paral·lel, 62 08001 Barcelona

Time: 19:30

The trailblazing Cairokee returns to Europe in 2025

With a genre-bending rock sound that has stood the test of time, Cairokee has become one of the Middle East’s most electrifying bands.

Join Cairokee, Egypt’s trailblazing rock collective, as they ignite Europe with their powerful fusion of indie rock, pop, and revolutionary spirit. After storming stages across North America and the Middle East, the band brings their electrifying live show to audiences all over Europe

Amir Eid (vocals), Sherif Hawary (guitar), Tamer Hashem (drums), Sherif Mostafa (keys) Adam El-Alfy (bass) are the fabulous five piece band who’ve been friends and collaborators since 2003 championing freedom and identity through Middle Eastern melodies with the grit and glam of true rock stars.

Date: November 23, 2025

Venue: Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Address: Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF

Time: 7:30PM

The Father of Modern Arabic Music live in the West End

A symphonic journey through the music of the father of modern Arabic music, Mohamed Abdelwahab, with the amazing Fatma Said and the brilliant Nader Abbassi.

Mohamed Abdelwahab (1901-1991)

Mohamed Abdelwahab is considered the father of modern Egyptian music and is one of the most famous figures in Egyptian and Arab history. A singer, composer, and actor, he was referred to as “the Arab Beethoven,” “the Arab Mozart,” or even “the Arab Frank Sinatra.” Thanks to his songs and compositions, whether romantic or patriotic, he became the greatest musical figure in the Middle East.

Abdelwahab at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Featuring Fatma Said & Nader Abbassi

Mohamed Abdelwahab was a great admirer of the world of classical music having drawn endless inspiration from the likes of Beethoven, Verdi, Tchaikovsky or Schubert just to name a few. The concert at Drury Lane is a homage to this wonderful inspiration that produced an immortal heritage of beautiful music.

Through the perspective of The Abdelwahab Estate, and the mesmerising voice of Egyptian Soprano Fatma Said, the concert takes the audience through symphonic reinterpretations of a fragment of Abdelwahab’s incredibly rich musical journey. The performance will feature the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, conducted by the brilliant Nader Abbassi. Bringing this event to life is Mona Khashoggi who, for years, has specialised in reviving cultural stories from the Middle East and bringing them to international audiences.

The programme revisits some of Abdelwahab’s iconic songs, in addition to masterpieces he composed for other Arab legends such as Umm Kulthum or Abdelhalim Hafez, and instrumental pieces that perfectly embody his love of classical music. Page 1 of 2 Headlining this concert is award-winning Soprano Fatma Said who has grown up to Mohamed Abdelwahab’s music and has considered him a great influence throughout her career. Her stunning renditions of “La Mosh Ana-l-Abki” (أبكي إللي أنا مش ل) or “Kan Agmal Youm” (يوم أجمل كان ) are just a few examples of her admiration for Abdelwahab and the deep connection she feels to his music.

The same can be said about Nader Abbassi who has worked on numerous projects with The Abdelwahab Estate. He has greatly contributed to bringing together the world of classical music and the works of Abdelwahab, following in the footsteps of “The Composer of Generations” who pioneered and championed the fusion between Western and Middle-Eastern music throughout a career that spanned close to a century.

About.

In the last decade, we have provided a platform for a host of extraordinary talent from the Arab world including Nai Barghouti, Faraj Suleiman, Souad Massi, Le Trio Joubran, Hamza Nimira, Marcel Khalife, Mashrou’ Leila, DAM, Autostrad, Lena Chamamyan, Cairokee, Emel Mathlouthe, Tamer Abu Ghazaleh, 47Soul, and Yasmine Hamdan, to name but a few.

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Date: November 22, 2025

Venue: Dingwalls

Address: Dingwalls 11 Camden Lock Place London Greater London NW1 8AL

Time: 19:30

Maqam Al-Ghazal: The Musical Mode of Love Poetry

Join Ghalia Benali and her Belgian musicians on an unforgettable journey through the emotional landscapes of love, where East meets West, and poetry finds its sound.

In her new project Maqam Al-Ghazal, Ghalia explores the delicate “haziness of the soul” that only love can create. Through powerful contemporary compositions inspired by poets from across the Arab world and Belgium, she weaves together the exuberance of baroque, the freedom of jazz, the intensity of rock, and the brilliance of Arab maqams — all in one spellbinding performance.

Expect music that inspires, soothes, and stirs, all at once.

This show is part of the EFG London Jazz Festival

Age limit: 16+

This is a standing show

Produced by Marsm.

Date: November 19, 2025

Venue: Fabriq Milan

Address: Via Gaudenzio Fantoli, 9, 20138 Milano MI, Italy

Time: 19:30

The trailblazing Cairokee returns to Europe in 2025

With a genre-bending rock sound that has stood the test of time, Cairokee has become one of the Middle East’s most electrifying bands.

Join Cairokee, Egypt’s trailblazing rock collective, as they ignite Europe with their powerful fusion of indie rock, pop, and revolutionary spirit. After storming stages across North America and the Middle East, the band brings their electrifying live show to audiences all over Europe

Amir Eid (vocals), Sherif Hawary (guitar), Tamer Hashem (drums), Sherif Mostafa (keys) Adam El-Alfy (bass) are the fabulous five piece band who’ve been friends and collaborators since 2003 championing freedom and identity through Middle Eastern melodies with the grit and glam of true rock stars.

Date: November 16, 2025

Venue: The Garage

Address: The Garage 20-22 Highbury Corner London Greater London N5 1RD

Time: 19:30

Ages: 16+

Emel Mathlouthi

Revolutionary artist and creative returns to London.

Since her debut in 2011 with ‘Kelmti Horra’ (‘My Word is Free’), a track which became a hymn to freedom in the middle of the Arab Spring, Emel has not stopped to release revolutionary albums-where Emel collaborated with the composer behind Björk and SigurRós.

Her fourth album, ‘MRA’-which means ‘woman’ in Arabic is a pop, world, electromanifest for female emancipation.That’s why every single collaborator on MRA, from producers, featured artists, musicians, and beyond, is a woman – marginalized in recognition, but outsized in ability. The result is a multi-genre meld where African trap, batucada, Arabicreggaeton, hip-hop, and drum n’bass rub shoulders seamlessly with vibrant melodies and empowering lyrics. Emel has come a long way, she has established herself as an avant-garde artist on the international scene, doing ground-breakingperforming such as the invitation to sing at the Nobel Prize ceremony and collaborating with artists like ValgeirSigurdsson, Tricky, Barbara Pravi, Bachar Mar-Khalifé and Vitalic, and most recently with AcidArab on the song Lose My Mind, from her latest album, “MRA.”

This show is part of the EFG London Jazz Festival

Date: Nov 15, 2025

Venue: The Garage

Address: 20-22 Highbury Cor, London N5 1RD

Time: 23:00

Ages: 18+

Lace up your dancing shoes, and get ready to take the dance floor to the musical soundtrack of your favourite late-night Arabic party!

Hishek Bishek is a pulsing club night dedicated to the Arabic-speaking world’s popular music history and vibrant sonic cultures. From chart-topping Iraqi and Lebanese dancefloor hits, and the newest releases from Egypt’s underground, to Palestinian electronic dabke and nostalgic synthed-out 90’s classics, Hishek Bishek has become a vibrant staple in London’s late-night club scene.

Guidelines for our guests and the community: We strive to make Hishek Bishek a safe space. There is no tolerance for Homophobia, Sexism, Transphobia, Racism, Anti-Blackness, Religious Discrimination, Ableism and/or Classism at our club nights. If you demonstrate any of the behaviours above you will be asked to leave. The venue and Hishek team reserve the right to remove anyone that is making fellow party-goers feel uncomfortable.

This event is 18+

*You must bring photo ID that is not expired (examples of accepted ID: drivers license, passport, BRP, or any other form of valid government-issued photo ID – can be international). Unfortunately, refunds cannot be provided if you are not able to show your ID to the venue’s security upon arrival.

With over 30 editions
There is no tolerance for Homophobia, Sexism, Transphobia, Racism, Anti-Blackness, Religious Discrimination, Ableism and/or Classism at our Hishek Bishek club nights.

If you demonstrate any of the behaviours above you will be asked to leave. The venue and Hishek team reserve the right to remove anyone who is making fellow party-goers feel uncomfortable.

Date: November 08, 2025

Venue: Barbican Centre

Address: Beech St, Barbican, London EC1Y 8AA

Time: 11AM

From Aleppo to a new world, she carries hope in her pocket.

Dounia and the Princess of Aleppo tells the story of young Dounia who, at six years old, flees Aleppo with her grandparents, carrying nothing but courage and a few nigella seeds tucked in her pocket. Guided by the mysterious and magical Princess of Aleppo, Dounia embarks on a journey toward a strange new world. Though the path is fraught with challenges, her resilience is nurtured by her grandmother’s recipes, familial love, and the playful winks of the princess.

This screening is part of A Season of Arabic Culture, aiming to share culture from the Arabic-speaking world to those who live, work and pass through the City of London and part of Barbican’s Family Film Club, curated by Sally Zarzour.

This event is supported by The City of London Corporation’s Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund.

Date: November 08, 2025

Venue: Bishops Gate Institute

Address: 230 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4QH, United Kingdom

Time: 17:30

Organized by: MARSM UK + City of London

Dabke Night invites you to move, connect, and share in the tradition of dabke

Dabke Night invites you to move, connect, and share in the tradition of dabke, a folk dance from the Levant (Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan). This night brings the energy of Levantine culture into London’s nightlight, creating a space where everyone, regardless of background or experience, can take part.

The evening kicks off with a beginner’s, welcoming workshop where you’ll learn the steps, there’s no need for you to have learned dabke dance before – the focus is on joining in and having fun. After the workshops, the dance floor opens for a party that carries the essence of dabke into the night, with traditional dabke music, modern electronic beats, and hip-hop carrying your feet.

Dabke Night has grown into a much-loved part of the nightlife scene in the Netherlands, and now it’s coming to London for one night only. The workshops operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Come early to join both workshops, jump into the second, or give the workshops a miss and step right into an evening of dancing, socialising, and sharing in Arabic culture.

This Dabke Night features workshops, Palestinian dabke performances by Juzour Dance Collective, and a DJ set to show off your moves on the dance floor!

Doors open: 5:30 PM and the party continues late into the evening until 10:00PM

Age Restriction: 18+

This event is supported by The City of London Corporation’s Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund.

Date: November 08, 2025

Venue: Mackintosh Church

Address: 870 Garscube Rd, Glasgow G20 7EL

Time: 19:30

Widely regarded as a leading contemporary jazz pianist and composer, Faraj Suleiman‘s music is deeply influenced by his Palestinian heritage and Arabic culture.

Trained in classical music, Faraj Suleiman incorporates both Arabic/Eastern melodies and rhythms and jazz traditions in his compositions. Now, based in Paris and embarking on a European tour in autumn 2025, Faraj Suleiman will make his Glasgow debut at Mackintosh Queen’s Cross on Saturday 8 November as part of the Bagri Music Awards presented by Cove Park and the Bagri Foundation.

In August 2025, international residency Cove Park announced a new two-year partnership with the Bagri Foundation, to launch Sound Series, a new programme of residencies bringing acclaimed international musicians to the UK. The Bagri Foundation works within a network of leading cultural organisations that champion artistic excellence and provide extraordinary artists from across Asia, wider visibility on the global stage. Working collaboratively to nominate and select the artists, Bagri Music Award aims to artistic development and a unique opportunity for acclaimed emerging or mid-career musicians from West Asia.

This performance marks the culmination of Suleiman’s Cove Park residency, developed in collaboration with MARSM, the London-based event producer and dynamic digital platform amplifying the vibrant musical culture of the Arabic-speaking world.

Date: November 05, 2025

Venue: Notting Hill Arts Club

Address: 21 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JQ

Time: 20:00

Join us for Jam Al-Jazz, an intimate evening of Arabic melodies and jazz improvisation, culminating with an electrifying DJ set.

Enjoy a high-energy set by a house band, followed by an open jam where musicians in the audience take centre stage. Featuring a unique blend of instruments, from the oud to double bass, the night promises soulful solos, spontaneous collaborations and a meeting of rich musical traditions. Whether you’re a musician or a listener, expect an unforgettable celebration of creativity and connection.

Our house band will consist of a mix of classically trained jazz instrumentalists and vibrant music improvisers, including:

Vocals – YAZ

Oud – Tarek Elazhary

Guitar – Anchit Sengupta

Bass – Raf Elliot

Drums – Michael Amosu

End the night on the dance floor with diaspora beats from Namyrr, one of London’s finest DJs.

Jam Al-Jazz is produced by Lilai Lawson, one of Marsm’s Young Producers (Youth Music).

About.

In the last decade, we have provided a platform for a host of extraordinary talent from the Arab world including Nai Barghouti, Faraj Suleiman, Souad Massi, Le Trio Joubran, Hamza Nimira, Marcel Khalife, Mashrou’ Leila, DAM, Autostrad, Lena Chamamyan, Cairokee, Emel Mathlouthe, Tamer Abu Ghazaleh, 47Soul, and Yasmine Hamdan, to name but a few.

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Date: October 31, 2025

Venue: Portsoken Community Centre

Address: 20 Little Somerset St, London E1 8AH

Time: 19:15

Organized by: MARSM UK + City of London

Join us for a beginner-friendly dabke dance workshop, a traditional folk dance from the Levant with Juzour Dance Collective

The workshop is designed especially for women aged 50 and over with its simple, rhythmic steps and low-impact style; this is a welcoming space to move, connect, and enjoy the music together.

No experience needed, just bring your energy and a willingness to have fun!

This event is for 50+ ladies only

This event is supported by The City of London Corporation’s Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund.

Date: October 25, 2025

Venue: Theatersaal Der UdK

Address: Theatersaal der UdK Berlin Berlin 10623

Time: 20:00

Award-winning singer, composer, and flautist Nai Barghouti is one of the most distinguished vocalists of her generation. With a layered ornamental technique, in which she uses her voice as a musical instrument, Nai brings a genre-defying link between Jazz and Arabic music.

 Award-winning singer, composer, and flautist Nai Barghouti is one of the most distinguished vocalists of her generation. With a layered ornamental technique, in which she uses her voice as a musical instrument, Nai brings a genre-defying link between Jazz and Arabic music.

Along with her Amsterdam-based quartet, she’s renowned for her stunning rearrangements of iconic pieces from Umm Kulthum to Fairuz as well as original work rooted in Arabic maqams, Jazz and classical Western music.

From her first stage appearances at the age of 14, Nai has gone to fill concert halls across the world. From Egypt to France, to the UN headquarters in New York, and selling out two London shows in 2023 as part of the EFG Jazz Festival.

Date: October 24, 2025

Venue: Portsoken Community Centre

Address: 20 Little Somerset St, London E1 8AH

Time: 19:15

Organized by: MARSM UK + City of London

Join us for a beginner-friendly dabke dance workshop, a traditional folk dance from the Levant with Juzour Dance Collective

The workshop is designed especially for women aged 50 and over with its simple, rhythmic steps and low-impact style; this is a welcoming space to move, connect, and enjoy the music together.

No experience needed, just bring your energy and a willingness to have fun!

This event is for 50+ ladies only

This event is supported by The City of London Corporation’s Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund.

Date: October 24, 2025

Venue: Holy Sepulchre Church

Address: Holborn Viaduct, London, EC1A 2DQ.

Time: 19:30

Unplugged, up close and unfiltered.

A season of Arabic Culture presents a rare and intimate evening with El Far3i, where the spotlight falls entirely on the acoustic soul of his music. Stripping back the beats and bars, this special performance will journey through the raw, unfiltered sound.

Known for his multi-layered sonic projects and pioneering role in shaping the Arab independent scene, El Far3i brings his acoustic albums and songs to life, from the poetic acoustic trilogy including Nas Min Khashab to the resonance of Soat Min Khashab and haunting beauty of El Rajol El Khashabi. This show is dedicated to the melodies and stories that echo from the mountains of Palestine to the streets of Amman, and beyond.

Expect his acoustic music with no electronics, no backup – just words and soul. A deep dive into themes of love, borders, identity, and the deeply personal.

Whether you’ve followed El Far3i from his early guitar sessions in Amman’s cafés, or you’ve just discovered the subtle power in his stripped-down sound, or have seen him with the electrifying 47Soul: this night is for those who want to feel the music, not just hear it.

Don’t miss El Far3i – The Acoustic Session.

No age restriction

This event is supported by The City of London Corporation’s Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund.

Date: October 19, 2025

Venue: Village Underground

Address: 54 Holywell Ln, London EC2A 3PQ

Time: 19:30

Currently regarded as one of the leading contemporary jazz pianists and composers of the Middle East, Faraj Suleiman built his scene and sound from the ground up.

A Palestinian composer, pianist, and singer, Faraj Suleiman’s work bridges Arabic music and Jazz; placing the Eastern piano at the center of the composition.

Faraj will be touring Europe performing his latest album “Maryam” for the first time ever. This introspective and cinematic ten-track project capturing the

stark contrasts of life before and after the start of the war will captivate you by taking you on a roller coaster with its dynamic melodies and rhythm which is then grounded by its emotional songwriting.

Faraj Suleiman will also be playing songs from his classic album “Better than Berlin”; a fan favorite that truly stands the test of time.

Date: October 18, 2025

Venue: Riverside Studios

Address: Riverside Studios 101 Queen Caroline Street London Greater London W6 9BN

Time: 19:00

Audio-Visual Listening Party + Live Performance by Ziad Sinno

This autumn, experience an evening where rhythm, storytelling, and solidarity come together.

Join us at Riverside, London for a special live celebration of Dom Tak, a pioneering Arabic podcast series from Sowt that uncovers the rich musical traditions of Egypt, Palestine, and Lebanon.

In this brand-new season, titled Music Beyond Barriers, we shine a light on the powerful contribution of disabled musicians to the Arabic music landscape—challenging stereotypes and celebrating diversity.

Produced in collaboration with Marsm and supported by the British Council’s International Collaboration Grants, this event bridges cultures through sound, dialogue, and performance.

Evening Programme

Welcome with Komet Kashakeel

Introducing the Dom Tak podcast

Access and the Arts talk

Podcast Showreel (subtitled)

Live Performance by Ziad Sinno (Inner Vision Orchestra)

Q&A with stage guests + audience

Expect a blend of conversation, immersive audio-visual storytelling, and live performance that embodies music beyond barriers.

All ticket proceeds will be donated to the Gaza Sunbirds, a para-cycling team empowering athletes in Gaza.

Date: October 17, 2025

Venue: Portsoken Community Centre

Address: 20 Little Somerset St, London E1 8AH

Time: 19:15

Organized by: MARSM UK + City of London

Join us for a beginner-friendly dabke dance workshop, a traditional folk dance from the Levant with Juzour Dance Collective

The workshop is designed especially for women aged 50 and over with its simple, rhythmic steps and low-impact style; this is a welcoming space to move, connect, and enjoy the music together.

No experience needed, just bring your energy and a willingness to have fun!

This event is for 50+ ladies only

This event is supported by The City of London Corporation’s Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund.

Date: October 13, 2025

Venue: Barbican Cinema

Address: Beech St, Barbican, London EC1Y 8AA

Time: 11

Organized by: MARSM UK + City of London

An uplifting journey of hope, music and belonging.

Set over 48 unforgettable hours, Daye, a 14-year-old Nubian with albinism gifted with a hauntingly beautiful voice, embarks on a life‑changing journey from Aswan to Cairo to audition for the Egyptian version of The Voice. Bullied, marginalised, and restricted by his loving but overprotective mother and close sister, Daye must meet adversity head-on.

Directed by award‑winning Karim El Shenawy, this Arabic‑language co‑production by Egypt and Saudi Arabia blends resilience and familial love, spotlighting tolerance, ambition, and the unifying power of music; ultimately proving that one voice can shine through the darkest prejudice.

This screening is a collaboration between Barbican’s Senior Community Screenings and Marsm, as part of A Season of Arabic Culture: aiming to share culture from the Arabic-speaking world to those who live, work and pass through the City of London.

This screening is a collaboration between Marsm UK and Age UK City of London, as part of A Season of Arabic Culture, aiming to share culture from the Arabic-speaking world to those who live, work and pass through the City of London.

Curated by Sally Zarzour

This event is supported by The City of London Corporation’s Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund.

Date: October 12, 2025

Venue: Capitol Theater Düsseldorf

Address: Erkrather Str. 30, 40233 Düsseldorf, Germany

Time: 19:30

Currently regarded as one of the leading contemporary jazz pianists and composers of the Middle East, Faraj Suleiman built his scene and sound from the ground up.

A Palestinian composer, pianist, and singer, Faraj Suleiman’s work bridges Arabic music and Jazz; placing the Eastern piano at the center of the composition.

Faraj will be touring Europe performing his latest album “Maryam” for the first time ever. This introspective and cinematic ten-track project capturing the

stark contrasts of life before and after the start of the war will captivate you by taking you on a roller coaster with its dynamic melodies and rhythm which is then grounded by its emotional songwriting.

Faraj Suleiman will also be playing songs from his classic album “Better than Berlin”; a fan favorite that truly stands the test of time.

Date: October 11, 2025

Venue: Cabaret Sauvage

Address: 59 Bd Macdonald, 75019 Paris, France

Time: 19:30

Currently regarded as one of the leading contemporary jazz pianists and composers of the Middle East, Faraj Suleiman built his scene and sound from the ground up.

A Palestinian composer, pianist, and singer, Faraj Suleiman’s work bridges Arabic music and Jazz; placing the Eastern piano at the center of the composition.

Faraj will be touring Europe performing his latest album “Maryam” for the first time ever. This introspective and cinematic ten-track project capturing the

stark contrasts of life before and after the start of the war will captivate you by taking you on a roller coaster with its dynamic melodies and rhythm which is then grounded by its emotional songwriting.

Faraj Suleiman will also be playing songs from his classic album “Better than Berlin”; a fan favorite that truly stands the test of time.

Date: October 10, 2025

Venue: Bishops Gate Institute

Address: 230 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4QH, United Kingdom

Time: 20:00

Organized by: MARSM UK + City of London

Where Vintage Sudan Meets Brooklyn Beats

Alsarah & The Nubatones is an East-African Retro-Pop music group led by Alsarah, a singer, songwriter, and bandleader born in Sudan. The band’s sound is influenced by Nubian “songs of return,” modern migration patterns, and cultural exchanges between Sudan and Egypt.

Their discography includes two full-length albums with Wonderwheel Recordings: Silt (2014) and Manara (2016), both of which also have remixed versions (Silt Remixed in 2014 and Manara Remixed in 2017). Alsarah also released Aljawal (2013) with French electronic producer Débruit and was featured on The Nile Project’s debut CD, Aswan (2014).

The current lineup includes Alsarah (voice, melodies), Nahid (back vocal, keyboards), Mawuena Kodjovi (bass/trumpet), Brandon Terzic (oud), and Rami El Aasser (percussion & drums).

Alsarah & The Nubatones have performed over 170 shows across three continents, at prestigious festivals and venues such as Glastonbury, Roskilde, Les Nuits de Fourvière, and SXSW. They have also been featured on various radio and TV shows, including NPR Tiny Desk and KEXP Live.

Age Restriction: 18+

Date: October 05, 2025

Venue: Golden Lane Community Centre

Address: Golden Lane Estate Community Centre, Golden Lane Estate, London EC1Y 0SA

Time: 11:30

Organized by: MARSM UK + City of London

This event is part of A Season of Arabic Culture, aiming to share culture from the Arabic-speaking world to those who live, work and pass through the City of London.

A Levantine Storytelling and Culinary Experience

Meet us where spices tell stories, and every bite echoes centuries of culture. This event is a journey through the heart of the Levant, where guests gather around to eat, listen and share. You’ll begin with a story, pause to share a meal, then return to the tales, weaving food and folklore in one intimate and immersive experience.

Through the aroma of simmering stews and the rhythm of ancient tales, we explore the food, folklore, and forgotten histories of the region once known as Bilad al-Sham. From the bustling kitchens of Damascus to the olive groves of Palestine, each dish we prepare opens the door to a story rich in flavour, memory, and meaning.

The meal will be delivered by Elias Matar, Storyteller, Playwright director and Drama Therapist, and prepared (with love) by Khaled Ziada, founder of Marsm.

Age Policy: No restriction

This event is supported by The City of London Corporation’s Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund

Date: October 04, 2025

Venue: Portsoken Community Centre

Address: 20 Little Somerset St, London E1 8AH

Time: 16:00

Organized by: MARSM UK + City of London

Ojalá: la vuelta al origen is a remarkable documentary exploring what it means to be a descendant of Palestine in Chile, and how cultural resistance finds life through movement and rhythm.

Following Anne Marie Lolas, the daughter of a Palestinian father and a Chilean mother, and a dedicated teacher of bellydance and Dabke in Santiago. The film traces how dance becomes both a bridge between worlds and a steadfast act of remembrance. Through Anne Marie’s eyes, the story unfolds as an intimate conversation on diasporic identity, heritage, and the embodied power of tradition in exile. Directed by Yasmine Benabdallah, a filmmaker and video artist whose work explores memory, performance, diaspora, archives, and rituals.

This screening is part of A Season of Arabic Culture, aiming to share culture from the Arabic-speaking world to those who live, work and pass through the City of London.

Curated by Sally Zarzour

This event is supported by The City of London Corporation’s Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund.

Date: October 01, 2025

Venue: Aldersgate School

Time: 14:00

Organized by: MARSM UK + City of London

Discovering MaqamPresented in collaboration with Global Music Academy

As part of A Season of Arabic Culture, Marsm is partnering with Global Music Academy to bring global music to the classroom. Throughout October and November, musicians specialising in SWANA music will lead engaging music workshops at Aldersgate School, introducing students to maqam, the scales that underpin traditional Arabic music.

This event is not open to the public, but if you’re passionate about introducing children and young people to music from around the world, you can learn more about the work of Global Music Academy below.

About Global Music AcademyGlobal Music Academy is a dynamic UK charity working to diversify music education by connecting schools with musicians, educators, and traditions from across the globe. Through hands-on workshops and original teaching resources, they support teachers, students, and communities to access musical cultures beyond the Western canon.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/globalmusic.academy/

This event is supported by The City of London Corporation’s Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund.