This international power trio originally emerged from a percussion section formed by Gabriel Valtchev (drums & FX) and Wassim Halal (darbuka & FX). They invited Amza Tairov (North Macedonia) to collaborate — a revolutionary, internationally acclaimed Roma synthesizer player with boundless creativity. By blurring the boundaries between rhythm and melody, synthesizer and percussion, the trio creates a playful sonic illusion in which identities constantly shift — from percussive trance to explosive energy. A polymorphous, high-voltage experience driven by surprise, movement, and collective groove.
WASSIM HALAL — darbuka & FX (Lebanon/France)
A percussionist, composer, and extraordinarily versatile musician returning to the Respect Festival for the third time. Last year he appeared with the remarkable project Polyphème, combining his creativity with the contemporary Gamelan Puspawarna, and in 2021 with Revolutionary Birds (featuring piper Erhan Keravec and Sufi vocalist Molnèr Troudi).
In addition to these projects, he is a member of the trio Bey.Ler.Bey, dedicated to Balkan improvised music; the author of Poème Symphonique pour 100 youyou and other compositions; and the creator and performer of the solo project Ataba for darbuka & FX, among many others.
AMZA TAIROV — synthesizer (North Macedonia)
Amza Tairov is a phenomenal keyboardist of the Balkan Roma style (chalga, manele, tallava). Thanks to his virtuosic playing, he became a sensation in the early days of YouTube and later through appearances on major television shows in Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Turkey.
Unlike most keyboardists who retune their instruments to accommodate microtonality, Amza uses the pitch bender to create the scales required for Middle Eastern music. Amza Tairov is a true star of Balkan Roma music.
GABRIEL VALTCHEV — drums & FX (Bulgaria/France)
Gabriel Valtchev is a percussionist, drummer, and improviser who develops his artistic identity at the crossroads of contemporary music, traditional Balkan music, and the improvised/alternative scene.
His approach breaks free from aesthetic constraints and dives into chance, sensuality, and chaos — both physical and emotional.
