XP News: Tunisia Gears Up for Fabrika Festival Feb 29th - March 4th

Fabrika Festival has established its name as one of the most exciting festivals in the region for its innovative approach in celebrating electronic dance music and giving a platform for global and local talents. This spring, the festival will return to the city of Hammamet in Tunisia for its 12th edition to deliver a feast for minimal electronic music lovers from around the globe.

The festival was originally set to take place in November 2023, but was then postponed till February 29th to March 4th 2024 in solidarity with Palestine. Spread across two stages, the line up will come in three waves of performances. The festival will introduce a new series where a single artist will take the centre stage for an entire night. The festival is also launching their first Fabrika Studio Session featuring Cristi Cons, who will return to the festival after his eclectic performance in the 10th edition to deliver an all-night-long set.

The line-up will be a mixture of both international and local talents, with Romania having quite a large presence with acts like Golan and Sublee, while local acts include the likes of Atef, Hamdi Ryder and Egyptian producer Omar Fayyad.The visuals for this edition will be performed by the Romanian duo NOETIC, known for their psychedelic and immersive projections.

Having been founded in Paris in 2013 by FABRIKA Collective, the festival has grown to be one of the most forward-thinking music festivals in the region, showcasing minimal and electronic music from around the globe, and bringing together like-minded music lovers in a celebration of sound. We sat down for an interview with founder Walid Triki about the challenges and aspirations for this year’s Fabrica Festival. 

So can you tell us about the unique challenges you faced organising Fabrika this year, in particular how you decided to move it to 2024?

Creating a music festival in Tunisia, especially one centred on electronic music, is no small feat. It's a form of resistance, a commitment to bringing the underground culture to the forefront. Our journey has been marked by the absence of state support for underground culture, and in many ways, we've had to navigate uncharted territory and do it the hard way. This year's decision to postpone Fabrika to 2024 is not merely logistical, it's a principled stand in solidarity with Palestine. It's the least we can do, and on this occasion, we reaffirm our call to all artists to speak up against injustice. This move reflects our dedication to using our platform for positive change.

What's the thing that excited you personally most about this year’s Fabrika?

As I reflect on our journey, what excites me most about Fabrika is the incredible international community and the thriving Arab talents that contribute to the festival each year. The magical atmosphere, truly out of this world, creates an experience beyond the music. It's a moment of reflection and gratitude for how our brand has transcended borders and our community has grown beyond expectations. Fabrika is more than just a musical event; it's a celebration of the collective spirit, resilience, and passion of our community. Witnessing the community's enthusiasm and the festival's transformative power, fueled by this passion, adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming edition.

What do you think is the defining factor that makes Fabrika such a special festival in the context of the regional dance music scene?

To embark on such a journey and succeed, one needs to be fueled by passion, resilience, and an unshakeable belief in the transformative power of music. Fabrika has grown slowly but surely, proving that the hard way can be the most rewarding. It's not just about the music, it's about the journey and the genuine connection we've built with our community over the years. Fabrika is a testament to the belief that music is a cultural force that can shape communities and transcend boundaries. It's our commitment to putting local and Arab artists on the big stages and showing the world how talented we are.

Is the festival planning to expand in the MENA region?

While our journey has taken us beyond Tunisia, the idea of expanding in the MENA region is something we approach with humility. Fabrika's growth has been a collective effort, and as we reflect on our success, the vision of reaching new communities in the MENA region feels both exciting and humbling. Our commitment is to continue sharing the magic of Fabrika, connecting with like-minded individuals, and contributing, in whatever modest way we can, to the regional dance music scene. It's not about us imposing, it's about finding meaningful connections and opportunities to grow together with the rich tapestry of the MENA cultural landscape. We embark on this potential expansion with gratitude for the journey so far and an open heart for what lies ahead.