On the closing day of Le Guess Who? 2023, the festival features the first international performance of Ndox Electrique, whose music is inspired by an ancient ritual of the spirit-world originating from Senegal’s n’döep ceremonies. 

Here, Atiyyah Khan, an arts journalist, researcher and DJ from Johannesburg, introduces the group and provides context to the origins of this healing ritual that connects so strongly to their sound. 

Words & audio by Atiyyah Khan
Photography by Gianna Greco & François R. Cambuzat

Born in Palestine and currently based in Paris, Kamilya Jubran is one of the most revered figures in the experimental and alternative Arabic music scenes. 

Through her multi-disciplinary work, Jubran continues to inspire a new generation of both musicians and audiences. One of those musicians is Sandy Chamoun, part of the Lebanese group SANAM who are also performing at Le Guess Who? 2023. We asked Sandy Chamoun to share a personal introduction to Kamilya Jubran’s life and work.

Words & audio by Sandy Chamoun
Photography by Alexia Fiasco

Having been born to seven consecutive generations of qawwals (those who perform the ancient form of religious Sufi music from Pakistan and Northern India - Punjab - known as qawwali), Faiz Ali Faiz was raised on the practice.

After having performed at Le Guess Who? in 2021, we asked Pakistani singer Arooj Aftab, whose work is inspired by Sufi poets and musicians that came before her, to interview Faiz Ali Faiz. They talked about his background story, what music means to him, and about pushing the boundaries of what qawwali can be.

Words & audio by Arooj Aftab
Photography by Lucien Lung