Mazaher
Community Healing Ritual
Dates
sat 13 feb 2027 - 18:30
location
Blauwe zaal
price
€ 10 → 20
duration
1h Extra info
The all-in festival pass for De nacht van de vertraging is available from September - €55
Is part of
Mazaher - Egyptian zar ritual with drums, voice and trance.
Mazaher is one of the rare ensembles within the ancient zar tradition, a practice in which women play a leading role. This ritual of music, dance, and healing is found in various countries in the Horn of Africa, and is now practised in Egypt by an ever-diminishing group of women.
Zar is a communal ritual in which drumming, singing, and dancing converge. The tradition is primarily upheld by women, and provides a space in which to process the tensions and emotions that arise from social constraints. Many of the original songs have now disappeared, leaving the practice nearly extinct in Egypt today.
Mazaher’s music is characterised by rich, polyrhythmic drumming and a powerful, repetitive vocal style that starkly contrasts with other Egyptian musical traditions. The ritual creates an intense interaction between musicians and participants, driven by drums and movement. This energy can lead to an altered state of consciousness, sometimes even trance - a simultaneously physical and spiritual cleansing experience.
Mazaher is the last active zar group in the world that is preserving this tradition and culture. They have announced that this will be their final tour in Europe - so this is a unique opportunity to experience them live.
Zar is a communal ritual in which drumming, singing, and dancing converge. The tradition is primarily upheld by women, and provides a space in which to process the tensions and emotions that arise from social constraints. Many of the original songs have now disappeared, leaving the practice nearly extinct in Egypt today.
Mazaher’s music is characterised by rich, polyrhythmic drumming and a powerful, repetitive vocal style that starkly contrasts with other Egyptian musical traditions. The ritual creates an intense interaction between musicians and participants, driven by drums and movement. This energy can lead to an altered state of consciousness, sometimes even trance - a simultaneously physical and spiritual cleansing experience.
Mazaher is the last active zar group in the world that is preserving this tradition and culture. They have announced that this will be their final tour in Europe - so this is a unique opportunity to experience them live.
Discover more about this festival
Credits
main voice, mazhar, tabal soudanais
tabla, tabal soudanais, voix
mazhar, choir
tanboura, vocals