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Souad Massi

Zagate

Franco-Algerian singer-songwriter Souad Massi returns to the Barbican in May 2026 to perform material from Zagate, her forthcoming album (March 2026/ BackingTrack Production).

Blending folk, rock and poetry, Zagate explores themes of pain, anger, rebellion, courage and hope. It reveals an artist in full command of her craft: honest, unguarded and unafraid to place personal truth alongside political reflection. Massi’s songwriting has long been defined by its emotional clarity, and here her melodies become acts of resistance – intimate, lyrical conversations shaped by both vulnerability and resilience.

Often described as one of North Africa’s most compelling voices, Massi has spent more than two decades forging a career that bridges cultures and musical traditions. Her work has drawn comparisons to Tracy Chapman for its poetic directness and acoustic power, while remaining unmistakably her own. Her career has also included social advocacy, notably her role as a United Nations Ambassador in 2005 for micro-credit initiatives supporting women in Africa.

Produced by the Barbican in association with Marsm

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Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith

Composer, producer and performer Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith returns to the Barbican Hall for the first time since Max Richter’s 2018 Sound and Visions festival. Next May, she presents a special live show, showcasing her distinctive approach to contemporary electronic music.

Known for creating synth-driven sound worlds that are both immersive and intricately detailed – shaping music that feels at once otherworldly and deeply human – Smith blends organic textures, orchestral instruments and her voice with futuristic electronic elements, moving fluidly between Neo classical, experimental electronic and dance-oriented forms. Across her albums and live performances, she continues to expand the possibilities of modern electronic composition, crafting sonic journeys that emphasise connection, curiosity and exploration.

Over the past decade, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith has established herself as a leading figure in forward-looking electronic music. Her collaborations span artists including Fourtet, Max Richter, Emile Mosseri, BBC Orchestra, Hotchip, Patti Smith, Suzanne Ciani, Danny Elfman, Reggie Watts and more, and she has appeared at festivals such as Primavera, MUTEK, Pitchfork, Treefort, Levitation, ADE, Unsound, Big Ears and the David Lynch Festival. 

Produced by the Barbican
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