Online Performances and Talks
Barzakh Festival 2021
Boundary shattering global sounds
A musical meeting place of genre-shattering artists performances and in-depth talks
A musical meeting place of genre-shattering artists performances and in-depth talks
There’s a place in the sea where salt and sweet water meet and coexist, but don’t dilute one another…barzakh. Newly reinvisioned to present artists online across three nights, Barzakh Festival is a meeting place of musical streams that cross diverse cultures. Global-minded musicians reflecting varied influences and identities, bring together the contemporary and the traditional into a boundary-shattering lineup that will be filled with musical revelations.
Coming to you online via Facebook, Youtube, and our website, this year’s edition of Barzakh Festival features three separate events. Each program shares new work created specifically for the festival, exploring the cultures and origins of the music through performances, exclusive sharings of new works in progress, and conversations with the artists.
In its 5th edition this year’s lineup features:
- Betsayda Machado & La Parranda El Clavo – UAE Online Debut
- Martha Redbone Roots Project – UAE Online Debut
- Boom.Diwan w/ special guest Nduduzo Makhathini
Previously in this Event Series

The Khaleej meets South Africa
Boom.Diwan x Nduduzo Makhathini
Musical showcase and conversation
An immersive ritual of music rooted in Kuwaiti pearl diving traditions meeting South African jazz

From the USA - UAE Online Debut
Martha Redbone Roots Project
Folk, Blues, and Soul Performance and Talk. Presented in collaboration with National Sawdust
A unique gumbo of blues, jazz, and soul music

From Venezuela - UAE Online Debut
Las Cantoras - Betsayda Machado meets Oswaldo Lares
Musical showcase and conversation | Co-commissioned by The Arts Center
Venezuelan Afro-Soul ‘Tambor’- a spirit-shaking percussion and voice celebration.