Gaâda Diwane Béchar will bring a night of entrancing sounds and rhythms to Rich Mix.
This September, East London will pulse to the hypnotic beat of Algeria's desert heartland. Returning for its third edition, DzFest is back with a powerful new theme — The Sahara — spotlighting the deep-rooted cultural and musical heritage of Algeria's southern regions.
The headline act is the legendary Gaâda Diwane Béchar, who will take to the stage at Rich Mix on Saturday 27 September. Known for their evocative performances and unmistakable desert sound, the ensemble will bring the ancestral rhythms of Diwane music to London for one unforgettable night.
Born in the city of Béchar, a cultural crossroads where Arab, Berber, and Sub-Saharan influences meet, Gaâda Diwane Béchar is a guardian of a sacred musical tradition. Their sound is steeped in Gnawa and Sufi mysticism, blending centuries-old ritual with raw, contemporary energy. Expect to hear call-and-response chants, hypnotic guembri strings, and mesmerising percussive rhythms.
More than just a concert, the performance is a celebration of Saharan resilience and spiritual connection, bridging North Africa's musical past with the pulse of today. With roots in healing ceremonies and community gatherings, Diwane combines ceremony, performance, storytelling and trance.
The evening also features a special opening performance by AMAL: The Algerian Musical Association of London, making its official premiere and setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying night of North African expression.
Tickets for DzFest 2025 are priced at £23 per person, with doors opening at 7:30pm. Whether you're a lover of world music, a seeker of spiritual soundscapes, or simply curious about Saharan culture, this is a rare and unmissable musical experience.
GO: Visit https://culturama.co.uk for more information.