Marmoucha presents two premieres around Toni Geitani's Wahj

Please note: This is a press release and not editorial content from Cultuurpers. The content originates from the organisation itself. Would you like to publish press releases yourself? Opt for a Cultural Membership.

The internationally acclaimed album Wahj by composer, producer and interdisciplinary creator and Marmoucha Orchestra member Toni Geitani will get two different live translations in Amsterdam in May. On 7 May (OT301) and 21 May (Cinetol), Marmoucha will present two premieres, each offering a different approach to the same musical premise.

Wahj, released in early 2026, was widely picked up by the international music press. The Guardian proclaimed it Global Album of the Month, praising it as a masterfully produced work that transforms dark tension into cinematic beauty. Platforms like Bandcamp Daily, The Quietus and JazzTimes also paid attention to the album, which moves between experimental Arabic music, ambient, industrial electronica and avant-pop.

In Wahj, Geitani interweaves maqām melodies and layālī vocalisations with analogue synthesisers, processed instruments and non-linear rhythms. The title (Arabic for ‘glow’) refers to what persists after collapse: not as defeat, but as resistance, possibility and hope. That theme is the starting point for both live performances.

The first premiere, Marmoucha presents: Toni Geitani - Wahj (7 May, OT301), is a personal live set in which Geitani brings the album itself to life. With vocals, electronics, visuals and light, he translates the work into an audiovisual performance, supported by drummer Spooky J and lighting designer Luuk van der Heijden. The evening is part of Marmoucha's Identities series.

Followed on 21 May at Cinetol by Marmoucha Orchestra x Toni Geitani: Wahj, which reinterprets the album's concept for a compact ensemble line-up. Together with other musicians from the Marmoucha Orchestra, Geitani developed new arrangements, bringing together instrumentation, electronics and movement-driven visuals in an orchestral live performance.

With these two premieres, Marmoucha shows how one artistic premise translates into a variety of forms: from a direct and personal to a collective imagination. Together, the performances offer different perspectives on Wahj and Toni Geitani's artistic mind.