Published: 10 September 2019

Ariwo
Ariwo are a Cuban/Iranian four-piece focused on the rich intersection between electronic music, Afro-Cuban rhythm, UK Jazz and Iranian mysticism.
The word Ariwo means "Noise" in Yoruba. The name was selected to underline the band's desire to combine traditional rhythms into a live electronic performance that challenges perceptions of ancestral music, and connects diverse cultures from around the world. The band brings together acclaimed Iranian electronic composer, Pouya Ehsaei; Carlos Acosta and Irakere's Latin Grammy winning 'percussion virtuoso' Hammadi Valdes; figurehead of London's Cuban music scene, Oreste Noda; and Ropeadope's award-winning Jazz trumpeter, Jay Phelps.

Their 2017 eponymous debut album received 4 stars in Songlines and the Evening Standard, as well as glowing reviews in the Wire, Rhythm Passport and Stamp the Wax. Their new album, will be released later this year on MANANA//Records and features guest musicians Joe-Armon Jones (Ezra Collective), Binker Golding
(Binker & Moses), Shirley Tetteh (Kokoroko) and Yelfris Valdes (Quantic).

Stavroz
Stavroz was formed in 2011 by IJsbrand & Gert, both dj's and sound engineers looking for a way to channel their musical antics. Soon thereafter, Maxim & Pieter joined on live shows and in the studio. Their first EP release "The Ginning" was picked up on international blogs, resulting the highest position on the Hype Machine and was chosen vinyl of the month by the German 'Faze Magazine'. Back home in Belgium, they were awarded second best breakthrough artist, coming in just after Oscar & The Wolf.

Known for injecting an overall ethnic, acoustic and organic vibe to electronic music, these four friends pocketed releases for Kindisch, Laut & Luise, Bedrock, Delicieuse and their own label 'Moodfamily' in Ghent.

Their intimate live set and unique dj sets were quickly picked up, sending them on regular trips abroad. Only to return home for some fifa and their weekly show on Belgian National alternative radio 'Studio Brussel' where they display an uncanny ability to combine the old with the new and the East with the West.

Their acclaimed latest release "Talabout" brings you where no one ever goes to, a destination unreachable by common means, but a place blurring the lines between having a dream and a state of mind.

Stavroz manage to create a wholesome, comforting soundtrack for a place, which no words can describe. Take a rest, lay down, close your eyes and listen to a story told in an orchestral fashion, with such profession and ear for details. Stavroz is something different.