Tashkezar: Egyptian Psych, Baladi Funk, Cosmic Fusion

Dubbed one of the most exciting acts rising on the UK global music scene right now, Tashkezar blend psych guitar with funk-driven basslines, Balkan sax, anthemic synth and the euphoric Arabic vocals of Mariam Ali to create an electrifying and deeply danceable sound they call Baladi Funk. Hailing from different backgrounds but united in their obsession with the groove, Tashkezar meld a cosmic fusion of vintage Egyptian Pop, Anatolian Rock, Balkan, Funk, Electro-Pop, Afrobeat – whatever makes them move. Like the ancient ritual of ‘Zar’, Tashkezar’s wild, high-energy sets whip dancefloors into a frenzy, fast gaining them a cult following. Once a mainstay of the Cairo underground music scene, Mariam’s lyrics uses wordplay and wry humour to process the personal and political upheavals that led to her leaving Egypt, enjoining us to turn our disillusionment into hope.