Segen #2

• 17/07, RUE PICARDSTRAAT, 17:00

Youyou is the French word for what in Arabic is called Zaghareed. This is an ancient vocal tradition with roots in North and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and even the Basque Country. It is a technique whereby women produce a high-pitched trembling voice by vibrating the throat or moving the tongue. In this way, they can express intense emotions, such as joy or sorrow, loudly and powerfully. For years, sound artist Myriam Van Imschoot has been fascinated by the impact of the youyou sound. She develops artistic projects with local performers, where there is both respect for tradition and openness to new interpretations. This is how the Brussels YouYou group came into being. 

Segen is a new vocal work, a cappella and without amplification. It is developed as an invitation for listening to the acoustic and other sonic specificities of a place determined by architecture, urban histories and social life. How can a musical piece, by its very form and intention, reveal and transform the space at the same time as if it were a blessing in disguise? Four performers come from all wind directions to assemble with a mission.