Hijaz - 16/12/2011
Mixed World Music presents the best 11 albums of 2011 selected by the Mixed World Music crew. Hijaz second album is on the 8th place and is the best Belgian release of 2011!
Check the full selection here and listen to Chemsi here.
Zephyrus - 2/11/2011
Zephyrus came back to Belgium with a big smile after a great Womex edition. We thank you all for the nice conversations and the the fun we had last weekend. Hope to see you all back next year and hopefully before that.
Va Fan Fahre's "Lahzet Zekrayat", Maguaré's "Prende la vela" and Hijaz' Chemsi are featured on the 2011 Flamundo compilation released by Flandres Music Centre.
Zephyrus - 1/10/2011
Some new bands and artists have been added to the artists page. From now on Zephyrus is the Benelux agent of Spanish flamenco-master Gerardo Núñez, Danish ethno-electroband Analogik and the multi-ethnic Touaregband Kel Assouf. We are very proud to have all of them aboard! Check out their webpages and the info on this site for more info. They will convince you instantly!
Zephyrus - 07/09/2011
De Centrale and Zephyrus are proud to present the book/cd package The Food Sessions. Between june 2010 and april 2011 small concerts have been organised in De Centrale with new musicals encounters and unique formations of existing groups. Each concert was combined with a dish in the restaurant of De Centrale, especially chosen by the musicians. Luiz Marquez came up with a Mexican dish, José Ligero chose a nice paella, etc. These recipees and one recorded track from each session has been compiled in this unique book with CD.
Myrddin - 01/09/2011
On Saturday 24 September, Myrddin and Zephyrus are organising a flamenco concert in NTGent. We are very honoured to have Gerardo Núñez for this first in a series of flamenco events in Ghent. Gerardo Núñez will perform in a basic flamencoquartet with world renowned dancer Carmen Cortes, singer Esau Quiros and percussionist Angel Sanchez. Myrddin will bring a solo performance in the first part of the evening. Tickets for the concert are 25/30 € and are available through NTGent or FNAC. We will use this event also to present a DVD of Myrddin which will be released by La Sonanta.
Myrddin - 30/08/2011
Myrddin takes part in the International Guitar Festival Plectrum in a series of cultural centres in Flanders. He'll be performing in quartet and duo, and share the stage with Karim Baggili. Check the website of the festival for all the dates or see here where he's performing.
El Sur 15/06/2011
Welcome to the world of lullabies
In April, El Sur recorded a version of the Dutch lullaby Wij gaan slapen (We go to sleep), translated as Arrullo para un sueño (lullaby for a dream). The recording is part of the project Slaapliedjes van bij ons, by Ancienne Belgique, Bas Bogaerts and Eva Schampaert. The result will be a sequel to the acclaimed book of lullabies with CD Ninna Oh. It will be called Slaap nu Ninette, slaapliedjes van bij ons, and is to be published in August by Lannoo. The songs are arranged and translated by artist from all over the world.
Maguaré - 20/05/2011
Maguaré release CD-single Jungle Fever
Maguaré present their new single Jungle Fever during their 2011 Benelux summer tour (tour dates). The song is a cover of the 1972 Belgian international disco classic by the Chakachas, also known from the OST of Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1997 cult film Boogie Nights. The sensual beat and suggestive vocals of Colombian diva Paola Marquez foreshadow a summer hit that will be talked about!
Hijaz - 18/4/2011
Hijaz is presenting their second CD starting Saturday 23rd of April (Muziekpublique, Brussels). Hijaz played a live session for VPRO in Vrije Geluiden which you can see again next Saturday at 9AM or on Youtube. Next month you can see the group live in Ghent, Bruges, London and Antwerp.
Check the live section for all the dates.
Hijaz - 3/3/2011
Zephyrus hits the charts again! Hijaz is featured in the World Music Charts Europe on the 17th place. Thanks everybody! Listen to the full album on Luisterpaal (Radio 6, NL).
We will be present at Babel Med for the first time this year. Do get in touch if you want to meet us in the beautiful Marseille.
VFF - 11/02/2011
Va Fan Fahre two weeks in a row on BBC - World on 3. Thanks Lopa!
"I played songs from both of these albums (Va Fan Fahre & Fayrouz) last week. But one from each is not enough, so here two more ..." Listen
Mondomix - feb/march issue - FULL 5 STARS REVIEW
"Superbe troisième album qui devrait lancer Va Fan Fahre dans le peloton des fanfares voyageuses."
SAF - 1/02/2011
SAF recorded a new single last month, interpreting Tom Waits' Clap Hands. His version preserves the original structure and feel, and adapts its imagery to the current state of affairs in Belgium. The original chorus is replaced by Belgique, Belgique, the elegant chic, most of the other lines are preserved as they perfectly fit the purpose of the song: inviting people to think about the situation at hand. In this SAF doesn't deliver a political statement, but rather calls for awareness and nuance. Belgique on iTunes.
Hijaz - 24/01/2011
Hijaz' new CD Chemsi will be released 21st of February in the Benelux and Germany, and wiill be presented in the spring (see dates). Moufadhel Adhoum, Niko Deman and Tcha Limberger were guests in Le Monde est un Village on 17/01 on the Belgian tv network RTBF.
Hijaz will be performing in London at the Union Chapel on the 28th of May (org. Arts Canteen).
Va Fan Fahre - 01/01/2011
Va Fan Fahre in featured in the WMCE Top 20 for the third month in a row.
More reviews on www.vafanfahre.be Tip: use Google Translator to translate reviews
This is an exciting, fresh, creative and enjoyable production.
Read more 4 and a half stars REVIEW in Magyar Narancs (Hungary)
Wenn man denkt, viel Innovatives kann auf dem Sektor Balkan Brass nicht mehr passieren, hat man wieder mal die Rechnung ohne den Wirt gemacht. In diesem speziellen Fall ohne einen belgischen. REVIEW Sound & Image (Germany)
Va Fan Fahre spielen auf jeden Fall mindestens in einer Liga mit der Balkan Beat Box oder mit Shantel zu deren jeweils besten Zeiten. Wunderbar nachzuhören auf ihrer Myspace-Seite. REVIEW Ultimo Lübeck (Germany)
Va Fan Fahre - 01/12/2010
WORLD MUSIC CHARTS EUROPE - DECEMBER: No. 13
Al Wa' Debt, the third CD by Va Fan Fahre is in the charts again! This month it occupies the 13th place of the World Music Charts Europe. Check out the album - it's worth it!
More info www.wmce.eu
Va Fan Fahre - 01/11/2010
WORLD MUSIC CHARTS EUROPE - No. 9
Al Wa' Debt, the third CD by Va Fan Fahre is currently on n° 9 in the World Music Charts Europe. The WMCE is a chart compiled by 45 radio producers from 23 European countries and forms the best reference for new releases in the world music genre . You can find the whole list on www.wmce.eu
Va Fan Fahre - 28/10/2010
The new CD by Va Fan Fahre is very well received in the press. Here are the first results:
Exit Plus - Radio 1
Standaard - 23/10/2010
Folkroddels.be - 28/10/2010
Zephyrus - 14/10/2010
Zephyrus Music will take part in the annual world music fair Womex, this year in Copenhagen between 27th and 31st of October. You can find us (Michael, Jan and Marcela) at the umbrella stand of the Flandres Music Centre 159-160-161, with new material by Va Fan Fahre, Hijaz, Maguaré, El Sur and SAF!. Hope to meet you there!
Va Fan Fahre - 1/10/2010
In October 2010, a third CD by Va Fan Fahre, entitled Al Wa' Debt, hits the shops. The collaboration with Moroccan singer Aicha Haskal on the previous CD , made the band decide to firmly root the new project into two radically different cultures, Balkan brass and Arabic music, to create a fresh, modern, yet authentic and varied album. Al Wa' Debt will presented in Liège (25 sept), Amsterdam (6 nov), Ghent (11 nov), Brussels (13 nov) and Tourcoing (29 nov).
Hijaz - 22/06/2010
Hijaz will be recording their second album this summer and will be performing some teasers at Brosella on the 11th of July. For this occasion, Kwadratuur presents one of their new songs on their website. For those who saw Hijaz during the JazzLab Series, the song might sound familiar. The composition is called Sidi Bou Saïd and was recorded during the concert of Hijaz in the Stadsschouwburg Kortrijk. The song is named after the pitoresque little town with its white and blue outlines, just outside Tunis.
You can listen to the song here.
Va Fan Fahre - 17/5/2010
Little Baby Jesus of Flandr, the first feature film by Gust Van den Berghe, is selected for the Directors' Fortnight, the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs, on the festival of Cannes. Belgian world brass band Va Fan Fahre composed and played the music for this fabulous movie.
Gori ka Dance Orchestra - 14/5/2010
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Gori Ka Dance Orchestra was chosen by Alain Platel to present their new production Follow The Fire in the city of Kortrijk on the 14th of May.
The public got carried away on a journey to the heart of India, and was delighted by the music and dance of the show.
India is the land where a story can be told with a single gesture of the hand. Follow The Fire tells a story in colour and smell, in sound and motion; a story in which different cultures meet, where spirituality is kept alive and the strength of the fire is revered to this day.
SAF - 22/4/2010
Ready for the big moment? SAF will be performing in the Antwerp Sportpaleis, second biggest venue of Belgium, during Nekka Nacht next to Flemish stars like Clouseau, Raymond van het Groenewoud, Bart Peeters, etc. In front of an audience of over 10.000 spectators, SAF will present his music.
Also, since a week or so, the new website of SAF is online: www.safmuziek.be
Zephyrus - 21/4/2010
Zephyrus will attend Jazzahead to present Hijaz and Myrddin in front of an international jazz audience. Jan Hoozee can be found at the stand of the Flemish Music Centre on Friday 23th of april (stand F04).
More info about Jazzahead
Zephyrus - 2/3/2010
Zephyrus on iTunes
After successful releases of new CDs by Myrddin and SAF, now Zephyrus music can also be found on iTunes. Both these new CDs as well as older work by Hijaz, Va Fan Fahre and Myrddin is available in the digital format.
If you still prefer the physical CD, just send a mail to jan@zephyrusmusic.be with your request.
Saf - 22/2/2010
SAF, winner of the Nekka competition 2009-2010, will present his debut CD on Friday 26th of February in Minard in Ghent. This will be the first concert in a row where you can experience the new sound of SAF. Check the live page and listen to Radio 1 and 2 following weeks to get a glimpse of the CD.
Maguaré - 15/02/2010
Benefit concert for Haiti.
Saturday 27th February Maguaré plays at PUBLIC REMEDY, a benefit event for the damaged in Haiti, with live performances from Lady Linn, Überdope, Mo & Grazz, La Guardia Flamenca en Radio Taxi Soundsystem.There will also be an art auction, of course all profit goes to our brothers in Haiti. A great idea if you want to help a good cause and at the same time enjoy a nigth full of good music and art.
Everybody welcome from 9.00 pm. at ART-CUBE Wiedauwkaai 52 Ghent. Entrance fee 5 euro. More info on facebook.
Myrddin - 10/11/2009
National Radio 1 is organising the Radio 1 Sessies for the second time. From the 23rd till the 27th of November 5 Flemish icons will host an evening and invite musicians they look up to. Among them is Gabriel Rios. After appearing in LUX (TV EEN) together with Myrddin and the featuring artists on his last album, Myrddin is also invited to come and play during the Radio 1 Session on the 26th of November. Myrddin will play solo work as well as a duo with Gabriel Rios. Unfortunately the concerts are sold out but you can hear the whole event live on the radio from 8 till 11 PM. Tune in!
Saf - 2/11/2009
Saf made it to the finals of the Nekka Competition. The last round will take place at the Ancienne Belgique on the 5th of December. We ask your support for this special Flemish talent. On the myspace of Saf, you can hear a preview of his first CD - announced for February 2010. For those who want to catch him live in Ghent - next appointement 26 of November in Jan Van Gent.
Myrddin - 29/09/2009
The third CD of Myrddin is finally ready and was presented at De Muze van Meise (Brussels) on September 19th and at De Roma (Antwerp) on Octobre 3rd. The new CD is called Lucía Nieve and features mostly instrumental flamenco, but also draws inspiration from classical music and jazz. Myrddin played live on national radio (Klara - De Kunstkaravaan, Saturday Sept 26th) and will be the guest of Jef Neve on friday 23rd of Octobre on the same network. Tune in and enjoy. Released by Zephyrus Records, distributed by Music & Words.
Saf, our local talent, participated in the first round of Nekka, a competition focused on Dutch music. With a selection of only 2 songs, Saf managed to enchant the audience ánd the jury and made his way to the semi-finals next Friday Octobre 24th in Leuven. At the same time Saf is finishing his first CD which will be ready around New Year.
Note that the concert in Les Ateliers Claus has been cancelled due to illness of one of the musicians. A new date will be confirmed shortly.
Hijaz was selected to participate in the Flemish Jazz Meeting, in the beginning of Septembre. In front of a well selected group of international and national promotors and journalists, Hijaz brought a part of their repertoire, being one of the promising young jazz talents of Flanders. With thanks to Jazz Brugge, De Werf, Muziekcentrum Vlaanderen and JazzLab Series. The first reactions of the international press can be read here.
Further dates will be confirmed soon but for now, do attend Hijaz' concert in CC Nova in Antwerp on the 22nd of October.
Maguaré - 10/08/2009
Those who don't know Landjuweel in Ruigoord, close to Amsterdam, should have been there last August. Both Gori Ka Dance Orchestra and Maguaré played in front of a frenzied audience. Gori Ka Dance Orchestra enchanted everyone on Friday night; Maguaré ignited the audience on Sunday night. Catch a glimpse of what happened on Youtube or here.
Next chance to see our beloved cumbia-craze: Mundo Latino in Etterbeek (Brussels) on November 6th.
Gori Ka Dance Orchestra is playing on the mother of all world music festivals Couleur Café. Around 18:00 you can see them in the Fiesta Tent. Note that Couleur Café is sold out so if you want to see them, come early. Looks like the weather will be great ... I mean hot! Some tips for afterwards: Magic System, Alpha Blondy, Asian Dub Foundation, Zap Mama?
Va Fan Fahre - 17/06/2009
Va Fan Fahre will tear down the roof of the Vooruit next wednesday 24 and was invited by Didier Melon to do the same on public radio of our buddies the Frenchspeaking Belgians (RTBF). They will play live on the air on thursday June 18th from 8 till 9 PM in Didier Melons program Le Monde est un Village. If you would like to attend the Peel .. I mean live-session, go to the website of La Première (RTBF) and quickly subscribe.
Maguaré - 16/06/2009
Maguaré is playing on Afro-Latino Festival in Bree (Limburg, B) next sunday. For those who will miss it, catch a preview on cumbia music and dance on national TV (één) in the program 1000 Zonnen tomorrow evening (wednesday 17 june). Check the interview with three members of Maguaré.
Want to learn more about Colombia in Belgium? Check the website of vzw Agoriad.
Zephyrus - 11/06/2009
I&I Relations releases a compilation with the best new world music bands of Belgium. The CD will be presented in Vooruit, Ghent, on the 24th of June and in 4AD, Diksmuide, on the 4th of July. Zephyrus endorses the initiative and decided to co-organise the event in Ghent. Va Fan Fahre will be playing that evening and will appear on the CD as well. Also on the program for the evening are Zion Youth and Wrong Em Boyo. DJ-duo The Rudies (Radio Taxi) and Fredulah will keep you dancing until the morning. Damage: 8 euro for 3 concerts + party (Balzaal, Vooruit).
See the flyer - I&I Relations here or here.
Myrddin - 26/05/2009
Myrddin is going to London. Next weekend he wil be playing at the Royal Albert Hall on friday (noon session) and in Le Quecumbar (Home of Gypsyswing) on Sunday and Monday. He will be playing as a trio, together with Robbe Kieckens on percussion and Dajo De Cauter on double bass.
At the same time, Myrddin is finishing his third album which will be presented to the public on the main stage of Sint Jacobs during the Gentse Feesten (co-production Trefpunt vzw).
More info ... hier
Va Fan Fahre - 18/05/2009
Last weekend, Va Fan Fahre performed at Jazz Sous Les Pommiers in Coutances, Normandie, and played the streets and on the stage at l'Esplanade des Unelles. Not only the audience was impressed. French national TV France 3 interviewed the band and reviewed their performance. Have a look here!
Maguaré - 11/5/2009
Maguaré gave their first performance in De Centrale last friday with a mix of cumbia, afro-colombian rhythms, and much more. That same evening Magauré featured on the BBC playlists. Listen to the promising comment of Lopa Kothari. Thanks Lopa.
Maguaré - 21/03/2009
Spring 2009. Zephyrus is very proud to present a new group, a fresh wind, another continent. Maguaré takes you all the way across the ocean to Colombia to bring you cumbia, porro, gaita and other afro-colombian rhythms. Maguaré was formed at the end of 2008 around Colombian singer Paola Marquez, and recently recorded their first demo. The new group will be presented to the public on Friday May 8th in De Centrale.
Check www.myspace.com/maguarecumbia for the new recording.
Rangeela - 17/03/2009
Mixed, the world music magazine from Belgium and Holland, features a track from Rangeela on their new compilation. The new magazine also features an interview with Zephyrus founder Michael De Schryver.
www.mixedmagazine.nl
Zephyrus - October 15
For the third time Zephyrus will attend the next world music fair Womex. For the third time the Womex takes place in beautiful Sevilla where everybody involved in world music will appear. Zephyrus is proud to present and promote four of its groups: Gori Ka Dance Orchestra, Hijaz, Myrddin and Va Fan Fahre. You can find Zephyrus at the stand of the Flanders Music Centre (1-F.15, G.15). More info is available on the website of Womex, those who are participating can find our organisation and groups on Virtual Womex.
Hijaz - October 12
Hijaz will be playing in Jazzstation on 29th of October. Les Lundis d'Hortense organises weekly jazz sessions under the name of Gare au Jazz. Hijaz will play two sets, starting around half past 8. The quintet will be enlarged with Armenian duduk-player Vardan Hovanissian who participated on the debut album Dunes. Let yourself get carried away by the mediterranean and arabic sounds of Hijaz.
More info on www.jazzinbelgium.be and www.hijaz.be
