Zar Electrik pays homage to tribal cultures, particularly through the incorporation of the ancient Zar ritual originating from Ethiopia and Egypt. This ritual serves as a conduit for healing, achieved through trance and connection with the spirit world. Zar Electrik transports us into their unique universe, where the reigning forces are trance and dance. Their music resonates within our beings; the electronic layers resemble mantras, and the voices feel like invocations. The overall experience mirrors a tribal rite, guiding us towards an altered state of consciousness. The music of Zar Electrik is best encountered on the dancefloor, facilitating a transformative and cathartic ritual trance.
Zar Electrik’s music knows no codes or borders. This is the meeting of three friends from Marseille: Anass Zine, with his mesmerizing North African-influenced voice and a range of traditional instruments such as gumbri and oud; Arthur Péneau, with his deep voice, adding hybrid African influences through his kora, which he mystifies with electric effects; and Miosine (Didier Simione), adding his knowledge and mastery of machines, synthesizers, and electronic music codes.
The result is simply spectacular. Their music is rich and vibrant, a transcending journey between the Maghreb, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the West.
Zar Electrik has already performed at renowned festivals such as Sziget Festival in Budapest, Fiesta des Suds in Marseille, Mundial Montréal in Canada, MaMA Paris, and Cabaret Sauvage in Paris. They are showcasing this year at Babel Med in Marseille.
Awards and distinctions
2021: South Orizon Award winner - PACA Regional Award
2022: Laureate of the Prix des Musiques d'Ici - National Distinction
Lineup:
Group size: 3 artists + 1 technician, sometimes 1 tour manager
Hawa Lamastrock // Jarring Effects Label - April 2023
Press Quotes
“Electro to make the link between African, Andalusian and Eastern music. This is Zar Electrik, a successful and very recent trio from Marseille.” - La Dépêche du Midi, 01/22
“Zar is the trance. It is also the name of the religious brotherhoods of Egypt and Ethiopia, which often use this almost hypnotic state. There is also a formidable musical mix, marriage of oud or kora with electro sounds, with Spanish, Oriental and African influences.” - La Dépêche du Midi, 01/22
“Zar Electrik married sub-Saharan sounds to the rhythm of electro.” - Le Dauphiné Libéré, 06/22
Captivating Trances of African Electro
Zar Electrik pays homage to tribal cultures, particularly through the incorporation of the ancient Zar ritual originating from Ethiopia and Egypt. This ritual serves as a conduit for healing, achieved through trance and connection with the spirit world. Zar Electrik transports us into their unique universe, where the reigning forces are trance and dance. Their music resonates within our beings; the electronic layers resemble mantras, and the voices feel like invocations. The overall experience mirrors a tribal rite, guiding us towards an altered state of consciousness. The music of Zar Electrik is best encountered on the dancefloor, facilitating a transformative and cathartic ritual trance.
Zar Electrik’s music knows no codes or borders. This is the meeting of three friends from Marseille: Anass Zine, with his mesmerizing North African-influenced voice and a range of traditional instruments such as gumbri and oud; Arthur Péneau, with his deep voice, adding hybrid African influences through his kora, which he mystifies with electric effects; and Miosine (Didier Simione), adding his knowledge and mastery of machines, synthesizers, and electronic music codes.
The result is simply spectacular. Their music is rich and vibrant, a transcending journey between the Maghreb, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the West.
Zar Electrik has already performed at renowned festivals such as Sziget Festival in Budapest, Fiesta des Suds in Marseille, Mundial Montréal in Canada, MaMA Paris, and Cabaret Sauvage in Paris. They are showcasing this year at Babel Med in Marseille.
Lineup: