BIYA BIYA Birthday:
Live Music Show & Zine Launch

BIYA BIYA’s inaugural event featured local Chicago artists across music, dance and the visual arts at Solidarity Studios in April 2025.

The evening also celebrated the publishing of the zine “Have you eaten?” written by Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel and designed by Jasjyot Singh Hans.

• HEADLINER: TAYF, an ensemble bringing fresh voices and ideas to the musical tradition of maqam. Combining musicians from the SWANA region and beyond, the group expands the standard repertoire while maintaining a connection to its members' roots, delivering an innovative and spacious sound.

• Müsila, guitarist and singer-songwriter inspired by traditional Sri Lankan music and haunted by the spirit of the Blues and Americana

• Dr. Aliah Ajamoughli, Syrian American ethnomusicologist, cellist, educator. Her musical style intertwines seemingly two opposing worlds: the folk tunes of her fatherland Syria with medleys of her Alabama upbringing.

• Raqs sharqi/bellydance by Yasmeen

• Food by NIYYAH Chef Sabrina Beydoun

• Photography by Jordan Esparza-Kelley

• Videography by Ian Resnick