Q-O2.be – info@q-02.be – previous editions
Oscillation is a festival by Q‑O2 werkplaats, organised by Julia Eckhardt, Caroline Profanter, Dries Robbe, Maryia Kamarova, Ludo Engels, Christel Simons, Aymeric De Tapol, Cis De Gendt, Carlo Sampaolesi, Gustave Muhozi, and Billy Moisseron.
03.05.2025 20:00
Yara Mekawei—El-Qibla
Concert
El-Qibla is a sonic journey that resonates with the spiritual and sensory dimensions of sound. Rooted in Yara Mekawei’s field recordings from Sufi celebrations across Muslim African regions, the performance transforms these captured moments into intricate and immersive compositions. Through the interplay of traditional African instruments and the rich textures of these recordings, Mekawei creates a dynamic soundscape that orients the listener, much like the Qibla directs spiritual focus. Each sonic layer pulses with rhythmic vitality, guiding the audience toward a deep connection with the frequencies and vibrations of the moment. This performance embodies the idea of alignment—both sonic and metaphysical. The Qibla, as a central concept, symbolizes orientation and convergence, reflected in the way the compositions bring disparate sounds into harmony. By drawing from sacred rituals and everyday life, the work bridges ancient practices with modern sonic interpretations, creating a space for contemplation and resonance.
Yara Mekawei , a sonic artist and scholar, merges the urban pulse with architectural essence, crafting intricate auditory vignettes. Her sonic work transcends conventional artistic paradigms, transmuting sound into sight through a synesthetic alchemy. Rooted in architectural philosophy, social historiography, and philosophical literature, she weaves diverse conceptual dimensions. Central to her approach is a forthcoming sonic opus, blending Sufi poetry and the wisdom of the Book of the Dead .