Since 2008, the Au Fil des Voix Festival has established itself on the Parisian cultural scene, in the heart of Parisian winter, as the unmissable meeting place for the great voices of the world and the promise of a musical journey through new sounds from the four corners of the globe. “The Au Fil des Voix Festival, like every year, offers new concerts in Paris, nourished by new creations by artists for a Music-loving and curious audience. An open program, including jazz, blues, neo-soul, afro-disco, committed song and transcultural encounters», Explains the founder of the event, Saïd Assadi.
Thus, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the independence of the former Portuguese colonies in Africa, the festival will celebrate the richness of Afro-Lusophone cultures with three exceptional concerts throughout a festive weekend at 360 Paris Music Factory, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris.
Female voices from the Arab world on stage
On February 12, the Au Fil des Voix Festival will end in style on the prestigious stage of the Trianon, with the Orient Now show which will close this 18th edition by highlighting the independent scenes of the Arab world embodied for the occasion by female voices. “From Morocco to Syria, via Algeria and Egypt, artists Nabyla Maan, Maryam Saleh, Sarab and Sarah Lenka will resonate the voices of women carrying a message of resistance and resilience in their societies», Explains Saïd Assadi.
Among the exceptional artists who will take over the Trianon stage on February 12 at 7 p.m., Nabyla Maan will present her musical universe inspired by traditional Moroccan music and the great masters of this repertoire. A musical heritage that she constantly revisits by mixing it with jazz, world music, and inserting current sounds. A true musical mix, and precious artistic work, which has enabled him to perform in the four corners of the world. On the occasion of the Orient Now closing evening, the Moroccan artist will present a new creation, thought up, orchestrated and arranged by Karim Ziad, renowned drummer, singer and composer.
Interview with Saïd Assadi:
Le360: the closing night is dedicated to “the independent scenes of the Arab world”, with a focus on female voices. Why did you choose to close the festival with female artists?
Saïd Assadi: generally speaking, Au fil des voix focuses its work on the search for the great voices of the world, representative of a culture, a society or an aesthetic. These voices carry the messages of the communities they represent. We know that today, women are at the forefront in all societies, and the female voice, sung by these artists, is deeper, more bearer of freedom.
Can we see a musical reading of the current news? In particular the protest movements led by women in Iran?
The voice of women is not only current news, but a deeply cultural movement that opens a new horizon of hope in every society. In Iran, the female revolt “Woman, Life, Freedom” which fights against the compulsory veil as a symbol of repression, began in 2022. This movement courageously stands against obscurantism and the “Islamic Republic”, thus opening a horizon of hope for the freedom of all Iranians. It is a movement that becomes a compass for freedom in all societies threatened by religious fundamentalism. In other societies, women’s protest movements, in different forms, promise to free themselves from the universal domination of men, whatever the culture or society, both in the East and in the West. Women are leading a fight for freedom, which will also liberate man himself.
Read also: Mawazine 2024: eight women light up the Chellah stage
Female artists have always occupied a special place in the culture of the Arab world. What role do you give them today?
Orient Now was chosen to close our festival, in the prestigious setting of the Trianon. It is important, in the current context, to highlight the beauty of the culture of the Arab world, and to recall how avant-garde female artists like Nabyla Maan (Morocco), Maryam Saleh (Egypt), Climène Zarkan (Syria) , etc., revisit their heritage while enriching it with jazz, punk, electro and folk influences. They constantly create true musical and vocal mixes.
-What is the role played, in your eyes, by culture in matters of politics, particularly in France, where the question of immigration is a major subject?
Today, in France, as in most Western countries, certain political currents present immigration as a threat to national culture. However, from my point of view, cultural exchange is a central element not only in the process of integration of immigrants, but also in the enrichment of French culture. An inclusive cultural policy can contribute to building a more harmonious society, by promoting the multiple identities that make up French society. We must not forget the long list of artists from different disciplines, from elsewhere, who have enriched the cultural heritage of France. For example, Édith Piaf (of Moroccan and Italian origin), Dalida, Charles Aznavour, Georges Moustaki and many others. This is why our participation in events like the Au Fil des Voix Festival, which highlight the beauty of cultural diversity, demonstrates our desire for a more harmonious society in France.
What is the message you want to convey through this festival and the artists scheduled there?
The horizon of hope and the joy of living in the world, and more particularly at this moment, in the Arab world.
Festival Along with Voices
From January 30 to February 11, 2025
Au 360 Paris Music Factory. Rue Myrha, Paris, France
Tickets available for sale by clicking on this link
Spectacle de clôture Orient Now
February 12 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Trianon. Boulevard Marguerite de Rochechouart, Paris, France
Tickets available for sale by clicking on this link
