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Amadyaz: Singer-songwriters from the Rif
Under the name ‘Amadyaz’, Utrecht’s musical collective Imetlaâ and friends will bring the music of iconic Northern Moroccan singer-songwriters from the 1980s back to the podium. Back then, singers like Walid Mimoun, Khalid Izri and Mimoun Rahmouni performed compositions that have since nestled themselves in the canon of Amazigh music from the Rif mountains. The music, lyrics and style are inspired by centuries-old Rif musical and oral traditions like Izran, but also by socially critical English and French singer-songwriters from the 1960s and ‘70s. One of these icons will perform as a special guest during the programme: Mimoun Rahmouni, singer and guitarist from the band Ithran.
Philosopher and documentary filmmaker Khadija al Mourabit will host the performance.
Admission: € 22.50
ILFU members: € 18
seated concert
Line-up:
Mohamed Allati – Zang, Gitaar
Dieter van der Westen – Basgitaar, zang
Indra Salima Kartodirdjo – Viool, handpercussie
Mustafa Ahrouh – Zang, adjoun
Rachid Khelifi – Drums
Hatim Khelifi – Toetsen
Mahdi Benhammou – Klarinet, fluit en sax
Marck Heusschen – gitaar
Mimoun Rahmouni – Zang, gitaar, special guest
Meaning
‘Amadyas’ means ‘troubadour’ in Tamazight, the language of the indigenous residents of the Rif mountains in Morocco. They were the musical travellers, poets, writers and singers who entertained people at social, religious and festive events, but they also carried important news from place to place.
‘Izran’ means ‘songs’ in Tamazight, and refers to the lyrical poetry tradition of the Rif region.
‘Imetlaâ’ roughly translates as ‘cosmopolitans’ in Tamazight, evoking those who lead a wandering existence.
‘Ithran’ means ‘stars’ in Tamazight.
An adjoun, also known as a ‘bendir’ or ‘genga’ outside the Rif, is a wooden-frame drum with snares behind the skin. The instrument somewhat resembles a tambourine, but without the metal jingles.
Who we are: Morocco
At every edition of the ILFU festival, we pay special attention to the literature and culture of a country that is strongly represented among Utrecht’s residents. The literature in these countries is often overshadowed in the media by the avalanche of new publications from America, England and Europe. By focusing on a specific country, we can introduce readers to the rich literary traditions of many different language areas. This year and next, we will shine a spotlight on Morocco and its literature.
Corona ticket needed
In addition to an entrance ticket, you also need a corona admission ticket (a vaccination, test or recovery certificate) to visit this program, because no 1.5 meters are kept here. The corona admission ticket can be shown via the CoronaCheck app or on paper. For more information, visit the Testing for Access website.