A look back: Hanover, 2017: the final round of the national ‘Creole’ global music competition. Two musicians in particular caught our attention: the Syrian-German duo Ameen and Thorben, who met in Hamburg. Pioneers of a sound that was already captivating, atmospheric and danceable back then, combining traditional Arabic melodies with deep house, dub, downbeat and hip-hop influences. They played to a knowledgeable but small (specialist) audience. And today: Creole is history, but Shkoon have arrived on big stages from the Elbphilharmonie to electronic music festivals, celebrated from Malmö to Cairo. And they, too, look back. Their current project, TRACES, is deeply personal as they reflect on their shared journey, drawing inspiration from the ideals of the Syrian revolution and the universal desire for freedom and belonging. They refer to their performances as 'musical diplomacy' – an invitation to come together and feel what unites us.

Photo Jonas Albrecht