Versatile collective brings musical stories from Dutch asylum centers to the stage
De Niemanders is an initiative by Rocco Ostermann (Donnerwetter/Shaking Godspeed) and Wout Kemkens (Iron Jinn/Shaking Godspeed), in collaboration with producer Rick Wiegerinck, where they seek musical stories from around the world. The collective started in 2018 in Dutch prisons, resulting in a critically acclaimed album in 2020 and a series of concerts. Between December 2022 and January 2024, De Niemanders visited asylum centers in the Netherlands in search of singers, musicians, and their music and diverse stories. The collaboration with newcomers, refugees, and others in reception centers promises an album full of powerful, raw songs with danceable and stimulating elements. The new collection of songs is a creative melting pot of multicolored music, ranging from swinging afrobeat, highlife, desert rock, and rootsy psychedelica, with traces of the alternative rock for which Ostermann and Kemkens are known. The Niemanders live band is a surprising mix of musicians and singers, some of whom live (or have lived) in asylum centers. Iconic musician Rudeboy (Urban Dance Squad) contributed to yet-to-be-released songs of the collective and will add his distinctive energy to the live show at EKKO this fall.
Support: Mazis
The Iranian Mazis tells his story of dreams, sorrow, and freedom through vulnerable songs. He was imprisoned in Iran for using his voice as a musician, was monitored for years, and then fled to the Netherlands to find his freedom. With his sensitive indie-folk, filled with themes such as love, new beginnings, and finding your place in the world, Mazis touches the audience straight to the heart.
Support: Musicaz
Musicaz is a collective of musicians from Utrecht that organizes weekly music evenings at three AZC (Asylum Seekers’ Center) locations in Utrecht. Supported by the Het Wilde Westen theater and the Plan Einstein community center, these evenings of musical exchange and connection are held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Musicaz supports people with musical ambitions by providing them with instruments, lessons, and connections in the music network. This results in a blend of cultures, instruments, and musical styles full of creative discoveries. Beyond the AZCs, Musicaz regularly performs and is now bringing this presentation of talent and cultures to EKKO.
