Friday night at Jamboree with the fantastic Tashkezar crafting their Baladi Funk sound from an array of musical influences: vintage Egyptian Pop, Anatolian Rock, Balkan Folk, Afrobeat and more, with support from Zeeya, playing pre-War Rebetiko and Greek folk featuring the 'Laiki kithara' (folk guitar) and violin.

Hailing from Egypt, Uzbekistan, the UK and US and united in their obsession with the groove, headliners Tashkezar are one of the most exciting acts rising on the UK global music scene right now, blending psych guitars with funk-driven basslines, punchy horns, anthemic synth and euphoric Arabic vocals, creating an electrifying and deeply danceable sound.

In support, Zeeya are a dynamic, experimental guitar-violin duo based in London, playing a repertoire of pre-war (WWII) Rebetiko and Greek folk music. The 'Laiki kithara' (folk guitar) and the violin became increasingly important instruments in the urban folk music of the early 20th century in Greece and minor Asia. With musicians such as Antonis Dalgas, and Spyros Peristeris, the guitar breaks away from its monotonous rhythmic role and explores a plethora of melodic and rhythmic approaches. The violin acts as a second voice guiding and supporting vocals through lyrics that are very expressive, often long stories about love and despair, rejection and death.

As Zeeya, Vasileios Voulgaropoulos and Ismini Mouzakiti bring a progressive twist to the songs, experimenting with various techniques involving rhythms, harmonies and flavours from different musical genres. As a project, this is a space to explore this repertoire and these two instruments from a variety of perspectives – drawing inspiration from contemporary bands like Roviolides, Kadinelia, Monsieur Doumani and others.

Jamboree food option: Our ‘Zer’ kitchen is open from 5pm serving delicious Middle Eastern fusion food for you to enjoy a pre-gig meal/snack if you wish!

Description supplied by the event organiser.