Passionate and poetic lamentations. Traditional string instruments with a modern electronic twist. Strong feminist and groundbreaking messages. This is the succesful recipe with which Aïta Mon Amour is establishing itself as the flag bearer of the Nouvelle Vague in contemporary Arabic music. And on 19 September at GROUNDS, Widad Mjama and Khalil Epi will exactly show us why.

What started with a random encounter in a Lebanese restaurant in Montpellier quickly turned into a glorious collaboration. Their long-awaited debut album Abda, which was released at the beginning of this year, is the finest result of this. Inspired by the Abda region, the cradle of Moroccan Aïta, they show their deep respect for the age-old tradition of the Cheikhates, who passed on from generation to generation their battle against injustice and oppression by singing words of love, sorrow, hope and freedom.

These laments form the foundation of Aïta Mon Amour’s music, and by adding incisive electronics, they create an inspiring bridge between past and present and give the time-honoured Aïta tradition a new face. Widad’s graceful and virtuoso voice and Khalil’s energetic outar-playing perfectly harmonise together to form the exhilarating and mysterious sound of Aïta Mon Amour. So prepare yourself to be overwhelmed!