WATER AND SOUND

25.7.- 27.7. | 2. – 4.8.24

“A powerful rush of water and music that opens Augsburg to the world.” (Süddeutsche Zeitung)

Water & Sound 2024 focused on the Atlantic and explored the rich musical traditions of the Atlantic region, shaped by the historical interactions between Europe, Africa and the Americas and the impact of colonialism, trade, slavery, migration and globalization. Under the artistic direction of Girisha Fernando, Water & Sound presented contemporary artists and projects representing different perspectives from Africa, America and Europe. Thus, among others Cape Verdean singer Mayra Andrade in the exclusive production with the Ensemble Atlantique on the open-air stage, Ana Frango Electrico with her Brazilian disco indie funk late at night in the Augustanasaal, and concerts in the Annahof by Florence Adooni with Frafra rhythms from Ghana, Portuguese avant-garde pop singer Ana Lua Caiano together with The Waterbirds and the fantastic Bala Desejo: “As the sky turns a dark night blue, the first note of Bala Desejo lays an all-embracing mysticism over the courtyard, as if you were listening to wondrous stories from the Amazon in the flickering glow of the fire. Told by a wistful flugelhorn and beguiling three-part vocals, accompanied by a restless funk guitar and plenty of soul. As if the seven musicians had stepped out of a time capsule from Rio de Janeiro in the 1960s to show the world how well psychedelic and popular music work together. Performed in an exalted show and so full of musical beauty that the heavens briefly wept a few tears of emotion. A band made for the festival and further proof of the high quality of the program year after year.” (Augsburger Allgemeine, Sebastian Kraus) Akutuk Origins transformed the space in the water of the Kuhsee with water percussion, singing and their unique performance into an almost spiritual experience of nature and sound. In addition to the musical performances, the festival included panels, artist talks and art projects such as the Parade of the Waterfowl, which explored the interactions between art and science as well as the history, ecology, society and ethnomusicology of the Atlantic region. For example, the exhibition “Underwater Disobediance” can be seen in Hall 1 in the Glaspalast until September 4. Water & Sound 2025 will once again take place in late July and early August.