WHORIENTAL 2024: A Celebration of QT*BIPOC & Music!
Do you remember the first time you realized mainstream culture has stolen from your communities? Well, we don’t. But we see it every-effing-where! Our music, aesthetics, language, food, and gestures pop up everywhere in pop music, on the streets, and on the runways. From techno to twerking, from HipHop to “Habibi”: Black and Brown folks basically invented the wheel wh1te kids are driving the world with.
Three years ago, we decided to take back what is ours and re-open the space for QT*BIPOC’s and s3x workers, giving credit to those made invisible. We cherish body diversity and shift the spotlight on refugees from SWANA countries, dancers, h00kers, and gender benders outside respectability politics.
Since 2022, VVh0riental has unfolded into a radiant festival by and for QT*BIPOC refugees, focusing on beauty and extravagance while centering community building and sharing resources in a hostile political climate. It remains one of the very few spaces in Germany where Black and Brown refugees are given the stage and comfort to be themselves beyond hyper-academic exclusionary discourses.
Our lineup features phenomenal artists who will electrify the stage with their unique sounds and stories.
FRIDAY:
✨ Beauty Corner ✨ Film Screening & Talk: Lola und Bilidikid ✨ Workshop “Decolonize the Dancefloor” with Habibitch ✨ Hadija and Oiposha Bellydance Group ✨ Prince Emrah ✨ Gazino Neukölln ✨ Sabuha Salaam ✨ Adir Jan & Band ✨ Rachid Alexander ✨ Haus of Audacity ✨ Tukie Vanida ✨ Aziza A. & Friends ✨
Gazino Raqs: A night of glitz, glamour and queer culture at Whoriental 2024
Welcome to Gazino Raqs, a highlight of the Whoriental 2024 festival! On 20 September 2024, we will transform Heimathafen Neukölln into a queer GAYzino, where tradition
meets modernity and an unforgettable night full of music, dance and performances awaits you.
Afternoon program: film screening and Habibitch’s “Decolonize the Dancefloor”
Before the evening begins with Gazino Raqs, we kick off Whoriental 2024 with a special
afternoon program in the Heimathafen studio:
– Film screening: we present the feature film “Lola and Bilidikid” from 1999, written and
directed by Kutluğ Ataman. This queer drama takes you into the subcultural
underground of Berlin in the 1990s. After the film, you will have the opportunity to talk to
our community elders Sabuha Salaam and Aziza A., who are in the film.
– Workshop: Afterwards, Habibitch will present “Decolonize the Dancefloor”, a danced
conference to analyse the systems that shape our daily social relationships. Through
movement and word rhythms, racism, privilege, power relations, resistance and
community will be analysed and critically examined from a decolonial perspective.
Evening program: Gazino Raqs
What is Gazino?
Gazinos were the hotspots of the Turkish nightclub scene in the 60s and 70s – places
where live music, dancing and glamorous shows thrilled audiences. These nostalgic
venues were known for their opulent atmosphere and first-class entertainers.
What is Raqs?
“Raqs” refers to traditional dance, particularly belly dance, which played a central role in
the Gazinos of the 60s and 70s. It represents the sensual and artistic dance
performances that captivated audiences in these glamorous nightclubs.
Gazino Raqs: tradition meets modernity
With Gazino Raqs, we are revitalising the concept of a Gazino and giving it a modern,
queer twist – welcome to GAYzino! Under the theme of Raqs, we invite you to dance with
us. Dance away your worries, join us on the dance floor, and let’s simply have fun
together!
Look forward to an exciting evening with:
Hadija & Oiposha Bellydance group Prince Emrah Gazino Neukölln
Sabuha Salaam Adir Jan & Band Rachid Alexander QueerBerg Queens
Haus of Audacity Aziza A. & Friends
Be there
Gazino Raqs is more than just an event – it’s a celebration of the cultural diversity and
creative expression of our queer community. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to
experience a night of glitz, glamour and queer culture.
We look forward to welcoming you to Gazino Raqs and celebrating an unforgettable
night together!
On Saturday, 21.09.2024 Whoriental moves on to Gretchen.
