Step into a transformative evening at Ballhaus Ost, where personal histories and musical innovation meet in a night of bold, boundary-pushing performances by artists with deep ties to the SWANA (Southwest Asia and North Africa) region.

Anthony Hüseyin, curator of the event, leads the night with a captivating blend of Kurdish, Turkish, and Arabic influences. A non-binary artist who intertwines classical, jazz, and traditional forms, Hüseyin’s work explores themes of memory, collective consciousness, and the fluidity of identity. With a voice that shifts between vulnerability and defiance, Hüseyin’s performance invites audiences into a world where the personal becomes political, queer narratives are celebrated, and the body itself becomes an instrument of resistance.

MADANII, a genre-defying talent rooted in Persian heritage, brings a visceral fusion of avant-pop, alternative R&B, and trap, exploring the tensions of belonging, queer love, and generational dreams. Each of her songs is an immersive experience, weaving Persian cultural motifs with a raw, contemporary edge.

Zuher Jazmati (aka xanax_attax) completes the lineup, channeling his Syrian-German identity into sets that merge tacky Arab-pop with femme Hip Hop beats. As a co-founder of ADIRA Party, his DJ sets confront issues of anti-Muslim racism and queer visibility, creating a powerful space for self-expression and community.

With »Echoes of the Edge: Queer Sounds and Stories from West Asia & North Africa« these artists redefine SWANA soundscapes, creating a mosaic of resistance, resilience, and reverence for their roots.