Haus der Kulturen der Welt invites you to the Sonic Pluriverse Festival—Bass Cultures explores sound system culture as a global phenomenon. From reggae’s deep pulsations to dubstep’s thunderous drops, the programme weaves together experiences, dialogues, and sonic practices that trace international connections.
Throughout summer 2025, live performances by artists deeply rooted in bass cultures blend rhythms and melodies that tell stories of resistance and solidarity. Taking place on the roof terrace at HKW and encompassing a range of daytime activities followed by concerts and DJ sets in the evening.
Linton Kwesi Johnson kicks off the festival on 27 June on the Paulette Nardal roof terrace at HKW, followed by Queen Omega and the Royal Sounds. Roots Daughters end the evening with a melodic DJ set in the Sylvia Wynter Foyer.
On the second day of the opening weekend, 28 June, Les Mamans du Congo, with the help of hip-hop and electronic music producer Rrobin, create a stirring and danceable blend of Bantu work songs and lullabies, hip-hop, and Afro-house. André Marie Tala & The Tchamassi Band continues with his distinctive form of Afro-Jazz, while Feminine Hi-Fi closes the evening with a DJ set.
Manou Gallo, also known as the ‘African Queen of Bass’ starts off the night on 4 July, and is followed by reggae band The Congos with a concert that is true to the roots and principles of Rastafari. Closing the night with a DJ set is Berlin-based Sammy Dread.
Saturday 5 July sees Mohini Day make her debut on a German stage with her sound that combines jazz bass and the traditional Indian music influences. Afterwards, singer-songwriter and poet Ana Tijoux performs, whose work frequently addresses social inequality, women’s rights, and solidarity. Sarah Farina returns to HKW and concludes the evening with a DJ set.
Perera Elsewhere, also known as Mother Perera, warms up the stage on 11 July. Kombia Borkum, a band with is roots in Monterrey, the Mexican capital of cumbia music, then enlivens the stage with what they call Nueva Kumbia. Refuge Worldwide resident Calamidades Lola and DJ Selektor Bony, one of the best local cumbia DJs around, end the night in the Sylvia Wynter Foyer.
Ti Moris, a guardian of the maloya music and dance tradition from La Réunion, opens the night on 12 July. Mokoomba a six-strong Afro-fusion band from Zimbabwe unmistakable mix of Zimbabwean rhythms, Afrobeat, and rock are the second act of the night. Shiru, Berlin-based DJ, radio maker, researcher, and host of élan vital (Refuge Worldwide), ends the night with all genre spanning DJ set.
After seven years away, Novalima is back in Europe to open the night at HKW on 17 July with their Afro-Peruvian sound. Afterwards, The Dhol Foundation serves up a feast of rhythm that also blends in grooves from Brazil, Ireland, Morocco, and West Africa. Harry Kalsi is the last to perform this weekend.
Sonicpluriverse Festival
27.6—2.8.2025 | Starts 19:00 CET
Haus der Kulturen der Welt | John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10 in 10557 Berlin
Reduced tickets per night are 19€, regular prices are 23€.
