Hear the ‘Voice of Revolution’
AS PART of Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival singer Emel Mathlouthi comes to Liverpool on Saturday, July 7.
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival presents Tunisian singer-songwriter and producer Emel Mathlouthi, who rose to global acclaim after her 2007 recording, Kelmti Horra (My Word Is Free), became the viral anthem of the Arab Spring, earning her the title “Voice of the Tunisian revolution” and eventually an invitation to perform at the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.
Her powerful, heartfelt music defies genre, melding electronica and Tunisian textures into her unique cinematic universe.
Bearing out influences from the East and West, Emel’s compositions realise an epic, gorgeously ornamented vision and are as well-known in her home region as they are acclaimed around the world.
For her sophomore album Ensen, Emel distilled her blend of acoustic and electronic sounds into a style wholly her own, drawing together sparkling Tunisian instruments such as gumbri (bass lute), zukra (flute) and bendirs (frame drums) with heavy kick drums and atmospheric melodies. Earlier this month, Emel released a rework album called Ensenity, a groundbreaking collaboration with producers around the world.
Emel’s music and message have motivated many to express themselves, and she fights particularly hard to be a pillar of strength for women worldwide.
As the composer and co-producer of all of her releases, she stands in opposition to the perception that behind every woman singer is a man pulling the strings.
Emel is also a leading voice on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the arts.
She speaks out boldly and frequently on the need to see all artists as artists first, rather than political symbols. Her support act will be U-Cef (DJ set). Tickets cost £8 (£6 concession) with a 7.5% per order admin fee applying for online and phone orders; this includes all costs and postage is free.
To buy tickets, go to www.liverpoolphil.com
This event takes place at The Kazimer’s Invisible Wind Factory, 3, Regent Road, Liverpool L3 7DS.