Embark Festival: A music festival celebrating journeys, stories, migrations and community.

Iman Tajik

Glasgow-based Iranian artist and photographer Iman Tajik will display photography and sculpture inside the Church throughout the festival.

Tajik’s work is anchored in a strong social interest and demonstrates an effort to make work that is a critical tool connected to international movements for social change.

Rihab Azar performs with her trio

Syrian oud virtuoso Rihab Azar whose recognition from Arts Council England in 2016 as a musician of “Exceptional Promise”, allowed her to continue her professional pursuit in the UK under the ‘Migrant Talent’ scheme.

Gustavo is a string instrumentalist influenced by African and Brazilian music, jazz, fado, and much more. He performed a set on the “Guiola”, a variation on the traditional Brazilian guitar known as “viola caipira”.

Talvin Singh, OBE, is renowned for creating the bridge between Indian and electronic music. Drawing Inspiration from the classical Indian arts, he has managed to sculpt a unique sonic landscape.

Singh’s synthesis of electronic music and eastern aesthetic, is often referred to as Asian Underground, one of the most exciting movements in the history of British music.

Polymath composer, producer, bandleader, TV presenter and Artistic Director Soumik Datta, a torchbearer of the 19 stringed, fretless Indian instrument ‘sarod’, Soumik’s work embraces traditional roots and contemporary electronica to address the urgent issues of our times.

London-born vocalist and composer Deepa Nair Rasiya has been making waves on the World Music platform internationally and is increasingly recognised as a pioneering and innovative composer with a deeply soul-stirring vocal style.