About the event
Experience Arabic folk roots transformed through psychedelic improvisation and ritual groove.
A visionary trio bridging deep Arabic folk roots and ritual music of rural Egypt with modern improvisation, krautrock, and psychedelic shaabi.
Experience a sonic bridge between the mystic traditions of the Nile Delta and the cutting-edge of contemporary avant-garde. The Handover defies easy categorization, weaving together the creative visions of Egyptian composer and oud player Aly Eissa, Belgian/Norwegian keyboardist Jonas Cambien, and Alexandrian violinist Ayman Asfour. Together, they craft a sound that feels both ancient and futuristic, offering a progressive exploration of Egypt's common and uncommon senses.
The ensemble’s 2025 debut was hailed as one of the standout releases on the cult label Sublime Frequencies, introducing a seamless blend of classical mastery, urban shaabi, and the ritual melodies of the Egyptian countryside. Drawing inspiration from the hypnotic, trance-inducing repetitions of Nile Delta music, their sound is fueled by kraut-like riffs and the raw intensity of 1960s avant-garde jazz. Fresh from a two-year tour of major international stages, including Jazzfest Berlin, Rewire, and a celebrated WOMEX showcase, the trio arrives in the UAE following the 2026 release of their highly anticipated second album. Their live performance is a psychedelic journey that doesn't return to earth once it achieves levitation.
Getting there
The Black Box Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
The Black Box Theater , Saadiyat Marina District Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
