Zar Electrik – Koyo (Jarring Effects Label & Lamastrock, 2025)
After gaining recognition with their debut EP Hawa, an extensive international tour, and a recorded National Public Radio (USA) Tiny Desk session (airing April 2, 2025), electronic world music band Zar Electrik is set to release their first full-length album, Koyo. The album is co-produced by Jarring Effects and Lamastrock, with Jarring Effects Label and RFI Talents handling co-publication.
Rooted in the trance traditions of the Zar ritual, originally a healing ceremony spanning Egypt and the Horn of Africa, Koyo fuses irresistible North African, Gnawa, and sub-Saharan rhythms with modern electronic production. Vocalists Anass Zine and Arthur Péneau deliver lyrics in Arabic, French, and Spanish, with an invitation to dance. Péneau’s fiery electric kora intertwines with Zine’s oud and guembri, while Didier Simione (aka Miosine) layers transfixing electronic structures and beats to create a highly persuasive, immersive sound.
While the album is packed with irresistibly engaging tracks, the rapping on the title track, Koyo, feels discordant, disrupting the album’s otherwise seamless flow. It clashes with the surrounding tracks, creating an uneven moment in an otherwise captivating experience.
Buy Koyo.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.