‘Listen to the World’ open mic nights are a place of live music where the traditions and talents of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers find a home among local artists. Come and join us, as either a listener or performer, everyone is welcome; British locals, as well as those who have settled here more recently.
‘Listen to the World’ Open Mic night is a live hybrid show where anyone in the audience, professional or first-timer can come and sing or play an instrument, online or in person (see more below).
‘So moving to be connected to people from all over the world through music, particularly because we’ve all been feeling so isolated.’
‘Hearing such a varied and rich musical line up felt like an opportunity and a balm – especially in these times’
‘What an absolutely beautiful evening. I was so tired I nearly didn’t come but I am so pleased I did. I had a number of wonderful conversations. Precious times. I really loved it all, and such a quality of work.’
Mehmet Avcu and Kadir Erturk hail from Turkey and are immersed in traditional Turkish music. Mehmet studied at the Turkish Conservatory for four years and is a violinist and vocalist; Kadir is a passionate performer of the bağlama or saz a long-necked lute. They have performed together in various venues in London and are both members of the Citizens of the World Choir.
Mo Sarrar is a Sudanese Actor, Musician, Singer and Songwriter living in London. He was pursuing a successful musical career in his home country of Sudan, before political unrest resulted in him having to flee. After crossing the Mediterranean, he walked through Europe and found himself in the Calais Jungle refugee and migrant camp, where he came across Good Chance Theatre. Mo performed every day in Good Chance’s Dome theatre in the Jungle to packed out audiences from inside and outside the camp. His music was an important tonic for the many thousands of camp residents. It was during this time that he began to write songs, drawing inspiration from the difficult situation people were experiencing.
Following his arrival in the UK, Mo began to reignite his music career, performing at gigs, concerts and event around the whole United Kingdom. He continued to work with Good Chance, performing at their events and helping to run their theatres. He worked with Good Chance to create the award-winning show The Jungle, which he has acted, sung and performed in to sell out audiences in London’s West End, New York and San Fransisco. Good Chance produced an album, Sounds of Refuge, with Mo and Zimbabwean musician John Falsetto featuring Syrian spoken word from Ammar Haj Ahmad, which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios. Mo has performed with Sounds of Refuge across the world.
Alongside featured artists, members of the audience can sign up to perform too. You can respond to the theme of displacement, home or belonging or with whatever is on your heart. This is a fun, relaxing evening where anyone; professional or first-timer, can perform to an appreciative audience. Or you can simply come and listen. You sign up for an Open Mic slot when you book (online or in-person). There are 4-5 slots and each slot is for 3-5mins.