Amal @ Greenbelt is a new venue showcasing Muslim artistry, ideas, conversation and spirituality and curated for us by Chicago-based cultural producer Asad Ali Jafri. Building on our long history of welcoming Muslim thinkers and artists, Amal @ Greenbelt represents the next stage on this long and important journey of deeper understanding and celebration.
Conversations
WELCOME TO AMAL @ GREENBELT
Kick-off AMAL @ Greenbelt as we explore Muslim art, culture, thought and spirituality all weekend long. The session starts with a welcome from Fatima Mullick, AMAL Project Manager, and performances by Faisal Salah, Pearls of Islam, and Fahad Khalid.
With Fatima Mullick, Pearls of Islam, Fahad Khalid, Faisal Salah
WHY CULTURE MATTERS
A conversation on the importance of culture, cultural leadership and the arts in Muslim communities — both across the globe and in the UK.
Panelists include Abid Hussain (Arts Council), Syima Aslam (Bradford Litfest), Luqman Ali (Khayal Theatre), Randa Ghazy (Writer / Producer). Chaired by Asad Ali Jafri.
70 YEARS SINCE PARTITION: THE FUTURE OF THE SOUTH ASIAN DIASPORA
2017 marks 70 years since the Indian subcontinent was first divided after British colonial rule. A lot has changed since then, including in the South Asian diaspora. This conversation explores the history, trauma, triumphs and future possibilities.
Panelists: Yousuf B Qureshi, Akaknsha Mehta, Nitasha Kaul. Moderator: Avaes Mohammad
BLACK LIVES MATTER: CHRISTIAN & MUSLIM REFLECTIONS
A conversation among Muslim and Christian voices reflecting on the Black Lives Matter movement including its historic roots and evolution both in the UK and USA.
With Ismael Lea South, Saraiya Bah, Eric Leroy Wilson and Rozella Haydée White
IN CONVERSATION WITH SAFFIYAH KHAN
Solidarity in Struggle
A conversation on solidarity in people’s movements with Birmingham activist, Saffiyah Khan, who was famously photographed smiling as she stood in defiance of an EDL protester earlier this year – an image which went viral.
Music
MUSIC SHOWCASE, FT: POETIC PILGRIMAGE AND NATIVE SUN
Poetic Pilgrimage is a Female HipHop/ Spoken Word duo who perform across the world spreading love, light and consciousness. Native Sun is London-based duo Mohammed Yahya & Sarina Leah fusing HipHop Afro rhythms and soul to create an inspiring live experience.
MUSIC SHOWCASE, FT: MOUSSA DEMBELE & FAHAD KHALID
Moussa Dembele, from Burkina Faso, is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist of African instruments including the Balafon, Kora, Ngoni,Djembe and Doum Doum. Fahad Khalid is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, inspired by Rock, Raags & Rumi.
MUSIC SHOWCASE, FT: ZAMAAN AND AAR MAANTA
‘Zamaan’, meaning time in Arabic and often referring to the past, is a growing project between Rihab Azar & Jamal Al Sakka that revives, celebrates and builds on gems of Arabic and Middle-Eastern music. Featuring the oud and percussion, the project presents both sung and instrumental repertoire. Aar Manta, singer/ songwriter, is described by young Somalis in the UK as ‘the voice of our generation’ because of his songs relevancy to Somali immigrants. A multi-instrumentalist, he plays keyboard and oud — a staple of traditional Somali music.
Spirituality
SUFI SOUL SESSIONS: WITH RUMI’S CIRCLE / PEARLS OF ISLAM AND FRIENDS / AMADOU SARR / ANSAR QADIRI SUFI ORDER Experience dhikr (remembrance), meditation, and poetry, and witness the sacred movement of the whirling dervishes. Participants can learn basic universal Sufi chants that are rhythmic, healing and a unique form of mystical worship.
SCRIPTURAL REASONING REMIXED
Engage in a fun and thoughtful conversation around the music and lyrics that move us as spiritual people. Join Rachel Rose Reid, Abdalhamid Evans and Simon Joe Jones as they discuss the songs that move them spiritually and the special meanings why.
Story and spoken word
WRITING WORKSHOP
With Khulud Khamis
Join Palestinian feminist writer Khulud Khamis for a writing workshop focusing on voices and invisible stories of women and marginalised communities. The workshop will explore the expression of these voices, from the personal to the political, using an intersectional approach. Living in Haifa, of Slovak-Palestinian parentage, Khulud is a writer, poet, and member of radical feminist collective Isha L’Isha.
CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM STORYTELLING: STORIES OF SHARED FAITH AND HISTORY
Khayaal Theatre : Flight to Abyssinia
How the Negus, a Christian king, granted safe haven to the first Muslim community. The story of a Sultan and a Saint (St Francis and Sultan Al-Kamil of Egypt) against the backdrop of the crusades.
60 minute performance, followed by 30 minute discussion
POETRY SESSIONS
An outpouring of original poetry readings from a range of young British poets, all known for their unique styles.
With Zena Kazeme, Ahmad Ikhlas, Harry Baker and Saraiya Bah
MILIEU AND U: A STORY CIRCLE
Yousuf Bashir Qureshi
Join ‘Milieu and U,” a story circle with Pakistan’s Yousuf B Qureshi – an artist, designer, photographer and story teller. Bring yourselves and a story to share! Stories can be told through narrations, poetry, songs, and even your own musical instruments. Yousuf has always been involved in education, whether it is alternative or academic. He is a resident professor at Indus Valley School and also has been invited to speak for numerous courses around the world.
Performing arts
KHATAK DANCE WORKSHOP
With Sonia Sabri Dance Company
Learn the basics of Kathak, a joyous and rhythmic Indian dance form that includes footwork, fast spins, choreography and storytelling. Sonia Sabri is an acclaimed dancer and choreographer whose practice spans from classical North Indian Kathak to fresh contemporary styles.https://www.greenbelt.org.uk/artists/ismael-lea-south/
SALAAM
Presented by Sonia Sabri Company
Salaam, literally meaning ‘peace’, is Sonia Sabri Company’s latest programme with a stunning presentation of Tabla, Voice and Kathak dance. Kathak is an exhilarating dance experience with an astounding display of precise footwork, eloquent gesture, rapid turns and heart-pounding rhythms. Sonia Sabri Company is one of the leading contemporary South Asian dance & music companies in the UK The company has an international reputation for presenting Kathak dance in a contemporary context, without diluting its integrity.
CAKES, BILAL ZAFAR
Join Bilal as he takes you on a fascinating and hilarious journey of how his @zafarcakes handle became a focal point for the misguided rage of the far right when it was mistaken for the account of a Muslim-only bakery. 2016 Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Bilal uses humour to respond to the prejudice and abuse increasingly faced by British Muslims.
After hours
AMAL AFTERHOURS WITH DJ MAN-O-WAX and DJ U-CEF
Move your mind, body and soul with the infectious rhythms of global spiritual music with funky rhythms and soulful melodies from the US to West Africa to South Asia. Spun by our own curator Asad Ali Jafri aka DJ Man-O-Wax. He performs internationally, spinning soulful, spiritual, and, of course, funky music from around the world. U-Cef, the Moroccan Digitizer, blends together arab and middle eastern sounds and beats with urban & traditional fusion. U-Cef has a special focus on the fusion of North African Gnawa with modern beats and basslines in what he has dubbed ‘halal music.’
Pictured: Pearls of Islam