Mirath Music Collaboration

As part of its cultural programming, Nogara Project partnered with the Goethe-Institut under the regional initiative “Mirath: Music”—a traveling sound exhibition bringing together artists from across the Arab region to explore, preserve, and reimagine musical heritage.

 

Over two years, including during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nogara implemented a multi-phase program connecting artists across borders and producing a diverse body of collaborative work.

Online Artistic Exchange

The project began with a series of online workshops bringing together artists from Sudan, Palestine, Algeria, and across the region.

These sessions created a shared space for:

– Knowledge exchange

– Reflection on musical heritage

– Development of collaborative ideas.

 

Participating artists included:
Amel Zen (Algeria), Ghassan Sahhab (Lebanon), Hajar Zahawy (Kurdistan–Iraq), Mohamed Adam (Sudan), Rehab Hazgui (Tunisia), Yacoub Abu Ghosh (Jordan), and Zaid Hilal (Palestine).

Together, they explored the meaning of musical heritage and co-developed the conceptual direction of the exhibition.

Collaborative Music Production

A key outcome of this phase was the production of “Kor Magla”, a traditional song from Western Sudan rooted in Al-Maseer singing—a form used to inspire, encourage, and celebrate values.

 

This piece was reimagined through a cross-border collaboration featuring:

 

– Zaid Hilal (Palestine)

– Amal Zen (Algeria)

Mohamed Adam (Wd Abbo) (Sudan)

– Music production was carried out remotely by:

  • Mohamed Al-Bakhit

 

The work reflects the project’s adaptability and commitment to collaboration despite distance.

Music from Across Sudan

Nogara supported the production of musical works representing Sudan’s cultural diversity, including:

 

– A piece from the Blue Nile region

– A piece from Western Sudan

– A medley combining multiple Sudanese musical traditions

 

In parallel, nine participating artists developed individual works, contributing to a growing archive of contemporary, heritage-based music.

Documentary Film

A documentary film was produced to capture the artists’ journeys within their local contexts.

 

The film highlights:

– Personal stories

– Cultural environments

– The role of music in preserving identity and resilience

International Exhibition

The project culminated in an exhibition in Germany, presenting:

 

– The musical works

– Visual materials (photography and video)

– The documentary film

 

This platform introduced Sudanese cultural diversity to international audiences and fostered cross-cultural dialogue.

Cultural Events in Sudan

Nogara brought the project back to local communities through cultural events in Eastern and Western Sudan.

 

Each event featured:

– Photography exhibitions

– Sound installations

– Documentary screenings

– Live music performances

– Presentations of local musical heritage

 

These events created inclusive spaces for communities to engage with and celebrate their cultural identity.