The MEG is partnering with the Afropea Cultural Centre for a programme of events surrounding the exhibition ‘Afrosonica – Soundscapes’.
Sounds that heal
As part of the MEG's new exhibition entitled ‘Afrosonica – Soundscapes’, the Afropea Cultural Centre invites their president Nayansaku Mufwankolo for a poetry reading on the theme of healing, an exploration of Egyptian Zâr and its de-synchronisations, as well as its current practice with Mahmoud Khattab, an Egyptian artist.The day's programme will also begin with an introduction to music through sacred songs performed by Maïlé Kalokura Medecine, shaman, astrologer, somatic educator, practitioner of sacred sounds and cacao, and guide/mentor in the healing arts.

Zâr – sonic de-synchronicities
Listening session following a conversation between Mahmoud Khattab (artist, EG) and Ahmed El Maghraby (founder and director of «Makan» Egyptian Center for Culture and Arts)

Mazaher is an ensemble in which women play a leading role. The musicians of Mazaher are among the last remaining Zar practitioners in Egypt. As one of the African dimensions of Egypt, Zar music unfolds through rich poly-rhythmic drumming: its songs are distinctly different from other Egyptian music traditions. The music of Mazaher is inspired by the three different styles of Zar music practiced; the (Upper) Egyptian Zar, Abu Gheit Zar and the Sudanese Zar. Zar is a community healing ritual of drumming and dancing whose tradition is carried mainly by women – men have the secondary roles – and whose main participants are women. The Zar is said to have originated in East Africa and, although its practice is disappearing in Egypt, the ritual flourishes in other parts of East Africa and in the Arabian Peninsula. Shunned by the religious establishment, the state and the official cultural elite, Zar is a part of the underground culture. As such, it has survived as a sub-culture in its original form without any major interference. Many of the poly-rhythmic songs and chants are distinctively different from other Egyptian music traditions. This listening session and conversation will also lead to a specific focus on drums descrynonicites in Zar, their meaning, and their potential role in healing the people asking Zar for help. . Source
Duration: 1 hour
In English.
This event is organised in collaboration with the Afropea Cultural Centre (Centre culturel Afropea) and the MEG – Geneva Museum of Ethnography.

Please note: the lift is out of service and activities are unfortunately not accessible to people with reduced mobility. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.