Gnaouas + Sons of Benkos

Gnaouas

D: Izza Génini

Documentary, Morocco 2004, 26 min, English subtitles

The Gnawas of Marrakech and Tassila are the stars of this show – with their trance and exorcism ceremonies, whose roots go back to pre-Islamic times, to Sub-Saharan African spiritual worlds. They came to Morocco in the 15th century along with West Sudanese gold and the great drums that provide the rhythms for hajhouj lutes and metal percussion.

Sons of Benkos

D:Lucas Silva

Documentary, Colombia / France 2000, 52 min, English subtitles

"Los Hijos de Benkos" were important leaders of slave liberation struggles from the 17th and 18th centuries. Their descendents’ culture is a repository of the history of Afro-Colombian music, from the last singer of the Salgado musical dynasty through a mesmerizing fusion with Cuban styles to the Picó Sound System.

Traffic restrictions From 23 July, John-Foster-Dulles-Allee is closed to motorized traffic between Haus der Kulturen der Welt and Spreeweg. The Haus is still accessible to drivers coming from the direction of the Reichstag but parking is severely restricted. The 100 Bus route will be diverted to Straße des 17. Juni and there is a provisional bus stop “Haus der Kulturen der Welt”. More...