Zar Electrik at The Freight

Zar Electrik pays homage to tribal cultures, particularly through the incorporation of the ancient Zar ritual originating from Ethiopia and Egypt. This ritual serves as a conduit for healing, achieved through trance and connection with the spirit world. Zar Electrik transports us into its unique universe, where the reigning forces are trance and dance. Its music resonates within our beings; the electronic layers resembling mantras; and the voices akin to invocations. The overall experience mirrors a tribal rite, guiding us towards an altered state of consciousness. The music of Zar Electrik is best encountered on the dance floor, facilitating a transformative and cathartic ritual trance.

Zar Electrik’s music knows no codes or borders. This is the meeting of three friends from Marseilles. There’s Anass Zine, with his mesmerizing North African–influenced voice and a range of traditional instruments (gumbri, oud...); and Arthur Péneau, with his deep voice, adding hybrid African influences thanks to his kora, which he mystifies with electric effects. The connection with Miosine (Didier Simione) is a real highlight. He is the last member of the trio, adding his knowledge and mastery of machines, synthesizers, and electronic music codes.

The result is simply spectacular. Their music is rich and vibrant, a transcending journey between the Maghreb, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the West.

You may also like the following events from The Freight:

• This Thursday, 9th October, 08:00 pm, Angélique Kidjo - The Freight’s Annual Benefit Concert in Berkeley
• This Friday, 10th October, 05:30 pm, WORKSHOP: Youth + Educators Afro Caribbean Percussion with Javier Navarrette in Berkeley
• This Saturday, 11th October, 08:00 pm, Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas at The Freight in Berkeley

Also check out other Meetups in Berkeley.