SPACE21 x Cafe OTO present "Women's Voices: Kurdish Sound Archive and Beyond"

Space21 is an independent artist-run project curated by artist Hardi Kurda, promoting contemporary, electronic and experimental music, noise, free improvisation and sound art. The Slemani-Kurdistan based platform aims to open possibilities for audiences to gain new experiences of the places where they live and work, nurturing new understandings of modern society and its struggles.

On 17 July, the focus is on rare historical recordings of women’s voices from across Kurdistan, with a panel discussion and sound exhibition led by Zeyneb Yas Salam, followed by live performances featuring artists Suna Aland and Hêja Netirk, who creatively reinterpret the traditional dengbêj style. On 18 July, the spotlight shifts to contemporary Kurdish home archives from London, featuring a film exploring diaspora sound culture and a collaborative live performance in response to these intimate recordings by Khabat Abas (DAAD fellowship), Siavash Namehshiri and Dr. Hardi Kurda. Each night blends archival listening, thoughtful dialogue and innovative music-making, inviting audiences to experience the vibrancy and resilience of Kurdish women’s voices past and present. Exclusive Kurdish music merchandise will be available on both evenings.