Flushing Town Hall Global Mashup Melds Moroccan-Spanish and Colombian Sounds on November 21

On Friday, November 21 at Flushing Town Hall, Moroccan and Spanish Flamenco will meet Colombian Gaita music on stage with performances by Seffarine and La Cumbiamba eNeYé.

The evening begins at 7PM with two dynamic dance workshops that invite audiences to immerse themselves in the evening’s rhythms. At 8PM, each band takes the stage for its own distinct performance, showcasing their individual sound and artistic voice. The program wraps up with a joint “Mashup” set, bringing both bands together for an upbeat, collaborative finale.
Performance Lineup:

• 7PM: Two dance workshops.

• 8PM: A distinct set from each band, followed by a music jam with both bands for the third and final "Mashup" set.

The concert, entitled Global Mashup: Seffarine (Moroccan Crossroad Ensemble) Meets La Cumbiamba eNeYé (Colombia), will enchant guests with a night of diverse musical sounds rooted in the traditions of two distinct places. While their artistic origins are separated by oceans and continents, they both masterfully meld genre and culture.

The musicians of Seffarine are vocalist Lamiae Naki, whose roots lie in Morocco’s musical traditions, and guitarist Nat Hulskamp, steeped in the world of flamenco. Together, they explore the centuries-old connection between Southern Spain and Morocco, creating performances marked by intricate rhythms, percussive dance, and a palette of compelling global instruments, most prominently flamenco guitar and oud. Seffarine’s sound has taken them around the world, from touring Indonesia and Europe to recording with top flamenco musicians in Spain such as Diego del Morao and Latin Grammy Award winner Antonio Rey.

La Cumbiamba eNeYé will present their unique take on the vibrant sounds of Gaita music, a folk genre molded by the Indigenous, African, and European cultures that have shaped Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The New York-based band will bring energetic melodies, featuring harmonious flutes made of cactus wood and the festive bustle of hand-beaten drums, creating a living, sonic bridge between the Caribbean and Queens. La Cumbiamba eNeYé has thrilled audiences with recent performances at venues such as Lincoln Center Out of Doors, Central Park SummerStage, Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, Symphony Space and Riverside Church in New York.

“By blending the soulful sounds of Morocco and Spain with the vibrant songs of Colombia’s Caribbean region, we gather to celebrate long-standing traditions while kicking up our heels!” said Ellen Kodadek, Executive and Artistic Director of Flushing Town Hall. “Flushing Town Hall’s Global Mashups highlight the distinctions and commonalities between cultures, artists, and audiences—in the most delightful way!”

General admission is $25 for adults, $20 for members, and $5 for children 12 and under.

About the Artists
La Cumbiamba eNeYé
Established in 2000, La Cumbiamba eNeYé performs and preserves both new and traditional Gaita Music, authentically recreating the powerful sounds of Colombia in the unique format of gaitas y tambores (flutes and drums).

Renowned for its exciting, uplifting sound, the ensemble transports listeners to the festive community gatherings known as ruedas (circles), central to Gaita and Bullerengue traditions. Their music reflects the three ethnic currents that define the Colombian Caribbean sound: Indigenous (flutes), Afro-diasporic (drums), and European/Iberian (vocals and melodic structure). They proudly feature the Indigenous gaita flutes, known by their native name, CHUANA.

La Cumbiamba eNeYé is led by New York City–based Colombian composer, folklorist, and educator Martín Vejarano. Recognized for his deep connection to tradition and his original compositions crafted for the gaitas y tambores format, Vejarano is a vital voice in reimagining Colombian music today, presenting his work under CHIAMUSIC.

Seffarine
The musicians of Seffarine, soulful Moroccan singer Lamiae Naki and flamenco guitarist Nat Hulskamp, supported by master musicians of diverse cultures, embrace and extend a rich musical legacy. Their exciting performances masterfully combine explosive flamenco footwork, exotic instrumentation, and grooving basslines. These diverse backgrounds meld, creating what SoundRoots describes as "an ear-caressing blend of sounds from Spain and North Africa, spiced with a bit of fiery instrumentation and percussion.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.flushingtownhall.org.