Tamaas Festival with Ibibio Sound Machine, Bombino, and Sami Galbi

Discover global sounds where tradition meets bold modern energy.

Discover new global sounds as artists who bridge modern approaches with traditional roots come together.

Three bands, two stages:

• Sami Galbi (Switzerland and Morocco): A high-energy multi-instrumentalist blending North African Raï and Chaâbi with the raw analog textures of Swiss electronic and urban club culture. (7pm on The East Plaza, standing/general admission)

• Bombino (Niger): The "Sultan of Shred" and desert blues icon fusing hypnotic Tuareg rhythms with raw rock-and-roll energy. (8:15pm in The Red Theater, reserved seating)

• Ibibio Sound Machine (UK): A genre-defying afro-futurist collective blending West African rhythms, electronic textures, disco, post-punk, and global club energy. (9:30pm on The East Plaza, standing/general admission)

Meet the Artist:

Sami Galbi Swiss and Moroccan multi-instrumentalist and producer emerging from the alternative scenes of Switzerland, Sami Galbi draws from his parallel musical universes to create his own sound. On both hands, he embraces North African Raï and Chaâbi and lends it up with some of the electronic beats and textures that shaped his upbringing. His influences feature US hip-hop, UK bass, House, and Afro-Caribbean dance music. Using analog machines, raw synthesizers, and electric guitar, Sami delivers on stage a “High Energy” performance, borrowing from the codes of postmodern urban music. Bombino Bombino is a powerful advocate for peace and Tuareg heritage. He uses his Tuareggae fusion of desert blues and rock to preserve his culture while championing a future rooted in dignity and dialogue. Born Goumour Almoctar in 1980, Bombino is a world-renowned Tuareg guitarist and singer from Tidene, Niger. A member of the Ifoghas tribe, his life has been defined by the shifting sands of the Sahara and the tumultuous history of the Kel Tamasheq people. Forced into exile in Algeria and Libya during the Tuareg rebellions of the 1990s, Bombino taught himself guitar by mimicking the "ishoumar" (rebel) music of his peers and studying videos of Western legends like Jimi Hendrix. His virtuosity eventually caught the attention of filmmaker Ron Wyman, leading to the breakthrough 2011 album Agadez. Subsequent collaborations with high-profile producers like Dan Auerbach (on the Billboard #1 album Nomad) and David Longstreth (Azel) catapulted him to international stardom. In 2019, his album Deran made history when he became the first artist from Niger to receive a Grammy nomination. Ibibio Sound Machine Ibibio Sound Machine is one of the most compelling and forward-thinking bands emerging fro

Event Policies, Terms, and Conditions

• The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all patrons. • Entry to the NYUAD Campus is through either the East or West Parking or the Welcome Center. • Please note the new campus entry requirements: you must present both your event ticket and the campus access QR code sent by email through NYUAD Campus Safety. • As per current Department of Culture and Tourism guidelines a Green Al Hosn is NO LONGER needed to attend public events in Abu Dhabi. • The wearing of face masks is NO LONGER required in most indoor public places, including campus buildings. • For access and wheelchair bookings, please email: nyuad.boxoffice@nyu.edu

How to get there

By car: Take Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St/E10, Al Mina, and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St/E12 to Laffan St. Exit at Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St/E12. Continue on Laffan Street to your destination. GPS navigation is advised. By public transportation: You can take bus 170 (Al Saadiyat New York< University Via Abu Dhabi) to the Saadiyat New York University 3 bus stop and take a short walk from there. By taxi: You can easily reach your destination via taxi or by using a ride-hailing app. Please note the new campus entry requirements: you must present both your event ticket and the campus access QR code sent by email through NYUAD Campus Safety.