Cultural events in London, November - December
Here are some of the Middle East-related cultural events happening in London in the weeks ahead. The list is curated by Pamela Ann Smith, a longstanding observer of the Arab-related cultural scene.
Marwan Moussa and Afroto
9 November, The Garage, N5. Egyptian vocalists Marwan Moussa and Afroto make their London debut in this infectious wave of chart-toppers sponsored by the Bagri Foundation and Marsm UK as part of their collaboration looking at the evolution of rap, hip hop, trap and electronica in Southwest Asia and North Africa. For information click here.
The Egyptian Jazz Project
15 November, Grand Junction, W2. Renowned jazz vocalist Ahmed Harfoush and his band, The Egyptian Jazz Projekt, are featured this evening in the EFG London Jazz Festival with special arrangements of unforgettable classics from 1950’s Egypt. The Projekt has risen to international acclaim since its formation in 2015 and has performed in Cannes, Rome and Melbourne as well as London, Cairo and Dubai. General Admission is £17.15 plus tax. Click here for more details.
Nadine Khouri
16 November, Rich Mix, E1. In yet another offering from the EFG London Jazz Festival, the British-Lebanese musician and songwriter, Nadine Khouri, serves up dream-pop, film soundtracks and spoken word poetry. Her debut album, The Salted Air, was hailed as a “thing of dark possessed beauty” and selected as one of Rough Trade’s Albums of the Year. You can buy tickets here.
World Cup 2022: Saudi Arabia vs. Mexico
30 November, Boxpark, E1. This viewing of what should be an exciting match will be shown on several big screens throughout the venue. Boxpark will also be serving a wide range of street food and drinks at its bars, accompanied by djs, live performances and pre-game entertainments. Tickets cost £5.86 and can be bought here.
Yacoub Shaheen
2 December, The Tabernacle, W11. Winner of the Arab Idol award in 2017, and raised in Bethlehem, Shaheen became a household name when dubbed the ‘Frank Sinatra’ of the Arab world. He has mastered several instruments, including the bouzouk and clarinet and has been seen by more than 120 million viewers in the Middle East. Here's a link for tickets.