'Aywa' / September 30th at 24 Moons
Aywa welcomes Eora-based, Eko-System label heads Eastern Distributor and Yung Lemon to 24 Moons this Friday (Sept 30th) for their latest event. Get tickets here.
Since their debut event in April 2021 Aywa have made a name for themselves spotlighting Middle Eastern creatives working in Naarm and across the country. A collective that cuts through years of mono-cultural events and music spaces, Aywa is doing the work and pushing the incredible music and artistry found in Middle Eastern communities across so-called ‘Australia’.
Mirna and Jack.
Founded by the iconic Mirna (Marroushti) and Jack (Patrick Henning), Aywa was born to elevate sounds and cultures that haven’t been given the attention they deserve. Mirna and Jack say that while Naarm line-ups should be praised for their diversity, Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) people remain largely underrepresented on line-ups. In this Aywa distinguishes themselves, as their club nights primarily focus on celebrating Middle Eastern culture in a scene where club nights of this kind are thin on the ground.
Moktar performing at previous Aywa event.
Aywa parties are about diversity, inclusivity, and showcasing Middle Eastern art and culture. Often accompanied by the lively drums patterns found in Middle Eastern music, there is an energy on the Aywa dance floor that you can experience nowhere else. Aywa have struck a particular affinity with many renowned Middle Eastern acts from around the country, with visionary artist DJ Plead curating a special set for an Aywa event which comprised of customary Lebanese wedding songs blended into Middle Eastern club tunes.
Jam sesh at an Aywa event.
Aywa have a humble yet powerful mix series that they’re very proud of and have already featured Naarm-based names like MzRizk, Stev Zar and Jale (who you can catch at the event tomorrow), with lots of exciting collaborations on the horizon.
For their next event Aywa have pulled out all the stops with a large and enticing line-up featuring Eastern Distributor (SYD), Yung Lemon (SYD), Jale, Anuraag, Nat Salih, Minimale Fatale, and Patrick Henning.
Eko-System founders Eastern Distributor and Yung Lemon have defined their label by integrating melodic scales and drum patterns from different cultures into techno productions fit for Australian bush doofs. Similarly, Anuraag is a revered figure in the Naarm music scene, often known to include classical Indian percussion in their sets. You can be sure that tomorrow’s event will encapsulate and articulate Middle Eastern brilliance, it is not something you should miss.
The event kicks off at 8:00PM and runs until 5:00AM the next morning. Be there before 11:00PM for cheaper tickets on the door.
Artwork by Leili (@_leili____)
Organisers Mirna (@marroushti) and Jack (@patrick.di_henning)
Words by Ria Pillai (@brown.suga.princess)
Photos by Jack Hawkins (@rana_thefrog)
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