Emel

Emel Mathlouthi arrives in Madrid with a live set that crosses electronics, folk and beats bordering on trip hop, always in service of sharp, incisive songwriting. Born in Tunisia in 1982, she grew up between Arabic song, Western folk and indie rock, and ultimately shaped a distinctive voice: poetry in modern Arabic, spare arrangements and a careful attention to sonic detail that sustain lyrics of both political and intimate weight. She alternates Arabic, English and sometimes French, with a broad vocal presence that converses with percussion, layers of synthesizer and strings.

Her career has been marked by albums that opened new paths. Kelmti Horra (2012) mixes ballads and protest songs, and its title track was taken up during the Tunisian revolution. Ensen (2017) delved deeper into vocal and electronic explorations, and Ensenity (2018) revisited that repertoire in a more atmospheric register. She has performed across Europe, the Maghreb and North America, and appeared at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in 2015.

On 2 July 2026 at Café Berlín in Madrid, Emel presents that universe live: songs with an intimate feel, contained rhythmic tension and a narrative that moves between the personal and the collective.