Raqs

Raqs is an Amsterdam-based collective of event planners presenting live and audiovisual performances in clubs, concert venues and festivals. It began in Amsterdam in 2017; founder and director Zinoun Abou Saleh works with co-founder Hadil Sakikar. Its programme draws on Levantine and wider SWANA musical traditions, pairing electronic and ambient sounds with Tarab and Andalusian material. A residents’ club night draws on breakbeats and drum and bass influenced by underground music from Egypt, Syria, Pakistan and Cyprus.

Raqs has held events at Melkweg, Paradiso, Parallel and OT301 in Amsterdam. Artists on its programmes have included El Rass, Maryam Saleh, 3Phaz and Liliane Chlela. Its first edition took place in Paradiso’s basement on 16 April 2017, followed by the first edition of its Electro Tarab programme at the Tropenmuseum in December that year. Artists and organisers with roots in the Levant region established Raqs to promote independent music and genre-crossing work, and to facilitate collaborations and exchanges in person and online.