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From the Mediterranean Sea to the French banlieues, a musical manifesto about fraternity


Wallen and Abd Al Malik: two pacifists armed with music. The singer and rapper are searching for justice and fraternity in this musical manifesto, for which the music of the famous Arab singer Fairouz, among others, forms a major source of inspiration.


In 2004, the singer Wallen, who was already Abd Al Malik's partner, had a hit with a song called L'Olivier (‘The olive tree’). Almost twenty years later, for his new show Abd Al Malik will share the stage with Wallen, and this show is also called L'Olivier.

Decidedly, this tree symbol of peace and longevity has grown with them both. The two artists will tell and question their life journey, and how art has shaped them. A shared story of exile and salvation through culture. Back to the roots also on stage.


Wallen and Abd Al Malik will cross their respective repertoires, but also welcome the texts of poets and their founding figures, from Aragon to René Char through Édouard Glissant, Rumi, Ibn Arabi, Isabelle Eberhardt and Fairouz. ‘We think that poetesses and poets are the heroes of today. They will save us!’ enthuses Abd Al Malik.

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HF Young Afterparty

On the 11th of June, after L'Olivier, you'll end up at the HF Young Afterparty. With a view over the IJ we will dance to records spun by Nayla. Be there or be square!

HF in conversation with Abd Al Malik

HF in conversation with Abd Al Malik

HF in conversation with Abd Al Malik

How did a performance come about? Where do makers get their inspiration? What was the starting point, and what challenges did they encounter along the way? The conversations give a glimpse into the work and background of the festival artists.

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