Zikra @ Sleepless Festival

Join Syrian singer and poet Gabriela Georges and her band Zikra as they play mesmerising songs of the Middle East and North Africa interwoven by poetry and cultural stories.

From Andalusian music that's over 500 years old to Egyptian pop music from the 90s, you'll hear nostalgic tunes that are still revered to this day. Be introduced to songs by iconic singers such as Fairouz and Googoosh, as well as folk music from Gabriela's ancestors' village.

Zikra began as Gabriela's attempt to reconnect with her heritage and consolidate her identity as someone who lives between two cultures. That's why Zikra plays Eastern music with Western instruments - it's a perfect reflection of the journey as a diaspora member.


Zikra (meaning 'memory' in Arabic) is made up of Gabriela Georges (vocals), Tony Pain (musical director, guitar), Ariel (keys, piano accordian, percussion), and Ben Harmsen (bass guitar).

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