In 2026, Sonic Pluriverse Festival brings the Gnawa tradition to Berlin. Rooted in West African histories of migration, diaspora, and transformation, Gnawa music is deeply intertwined with the Mediterranean region, while its Afro-diasporic resonances extend as far as Latin America and beyond.
Curated by Alaa Zouiten, the festival approaches these connections not merely as encounters between musical styles, but as expressions of shared historical experiences that have unfolded in diverse musical and spiritual forms. These resonances continue to shape the present, calling forth new voices and alliances.
Across five weekends, HKW’s rooftop terrace becomes a site of musical encounter. Each festival day opens with a Gnawa ensemble that sets the stage for further musical practices—from Flamenco and Tarantella to Desert Blues. The concert programme is complemented by panel discussions, film screenings, workshops on sound and dance practices, and DJ sets. The panel discussions explore the historical and spiritual connections between the Gnawa and the Yoruba tradition, as well as their resonance in transatlantic cultures such as Candomblé and Lucumí; another panel will focus on neuroscientific perspectives on trance phenomena induced by rhythm-based music.
With concerts, DJ Sets, Film Screenings, Panel Discussions & Workshops this years festival will feature: Aficionado – Flamenco Moro, Aly Keïta Trio, Asmaa Hamzaoui & Bnat Timbouktou, Baaba Maal & Daande Leñol, Bab L‘Bluz, Garifuna Collective, Gnawa Diffusion, Hassan Boussou, Hicham Bilali & Black Koyo, Justin Adams & Mauro Durante with special guest: Alessia Tondo, Maalem Mustapha Sam & Mqaddma Souad, Majid Bekkas & Bassekou Kouyaté, Mehdi Nassouli, Moonlight Benjamin, Vieux Farka Touré among other.
