Habibi Funk Auckland and Wellington Shows Announced

A globally acclaimed imprint close to many local listeners' hearts, Habibi Funk // حبيبي فنك have announced two can't miss Aotearoa events happening at Tāmaki Makaurau's Neck Of The Woods and Te Whanganui-a-Tara's Heyday Beer Co. on 9th and 10th June. Co-founded by Berlin-based crate-digger Jannis Stürtz, who also DJs under that name, Habibi Funk's impeccably curated back catalogue of reissues has brought to light "eclectic sounds from the Arab world," encompassing convention-defying funk, soul, disco, hip hop, garage rock, folk and lots more from the '60s, '70s, '80s and beyond. Including hands down killer releases from Hamid El Shaeri and Al Massrieen (among many others), Habibi Funk reissues are notably licensed "directly from the artists or their families, who get a 50% cut of the profits." Habibi Funk's first ever local parties are guaranteed to go off, secure your spot while you can...

COMPETITION: We have double passes to give away for Habibi Funk's debut Aotearoa shows in Auckland and Wellington this week! [competition has been drawn]

"If you’re a European or Western label and you’re dealing with non-European artists’ music, there’s obviously a special responsibility to make sure you don’t reproduce historic economic patterns of exploitation, which is the number one thing when it comes to the post-colonial aspect of what we are doing." — Jannis Stürtz, in an interview with The Vinyl Factory

Habibi Funk

Friday 9th June - Neck Of The Woods, Auckland
Saturday 10th June - Heyday Beer Co., Wellington [new venue]

Tickets available HERE via UTR

Check out Hamid Al Shaeri's 'Dari Demou'ek' from 2022's superb Habibi Funk 018: The SLAM! Years (1983 - 1988)...

Explore the world of Habibi Funk with 2021's Habibi Funk 015: An eclectic selection from the Arab world, part 2...

Press release:

New Zealand get ready. German crate-digger, Jannis Stürtz, the renowned Habibi Funk is coming.

Stürtz has been exploring the vinyl troves of the Arab world in search of a unique sound that reflects the familiar. His latest 16-track compilation features entertaining moments from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, with tracks sounding like a shaky fairground mirror of orthodox western pop forms.

From a Moroccan take on Beethoven’s Für Elise, sounding like Ennio Morricone’s lost blaxploitation movie theme, to a wobbly disco number from the Sudan resembling Madonna’s Holiday, these tracks are a true reflection of the diversity and richness of the Arab world.

The show promises to be a celebration of culture, music, and good vibes. Arranged to take you on a journey through space and time. From later R&B pastiches from Tunisia and Egypt embracing the pleasingly odd, flirtations with funk and garage rock. Habibi Funk's own representation of unique tunes from a lost era that will make you move and groove all night long.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience the unique sound of Habibi Funk Records live in New Zealand. This is an event you simply cannot afford to miss. Get your tickets now and join us for a night of unforgettable music and culture.