From February 21 to March 13, 2022, OneBeat Sahara brought together 23 musicians from the United States, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania, Mali, and Niger to create original work collaboratively and develop a global network of civically engaged artists. The musicians met for the first time in the oasis town of Taghit in the Algerian desert for two weeks of musical residency, which culminated in an outdoor concert attended by a crowd of 2,100 people near a site with ancient rock carvings. Afterwards, the group moved to Algiers and gave a stirring performance at the Opera House with a mix of chaabi, gnawi, rai, reggae, rap, and hip-hop music. In her opening remarks, Ambassador Aubin said, “OneBeat Sahara highlights the way that Algerian, American, and African music are similar and can complement one another to create a beautiful, unique sound. The OneBeat program is part of the U.S. Department of State’s musical diplomacy programs that aim to use music to drive positive social change.
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