Sakina Abdou, one of the most exciting rising voices on the international improvised music scene, makes her first appearance at Cafe OTO, presenting her lead projects in the UK for the first time. A fearless and distinctive saxophonist, she has presented her solo work at major festivals across Europe and North America, including FIMAV, Torino Jazz Festival, Berlin Jazz Festival, Météo, Music Unlimited and Summer Bummer.

This first two-day residency at Cafe OTO marks a special moment, spotlighting a body of work she has developed over the last few years in close collaboration with the US label Relative Pitch Records.

Across the residency, Sakina Abdou will unfold several facets of her music: her solo project; the trio Abdou – Gouband – Warelis with Marta Warelis (piano) and Thomas Gouband (drums, stones, leaves); a specially extended solo set with Mariam Rezaei; and a duo with a special guest to be announced.

Moving freely between jazz, experimental, noise and improvised music, Abdou has recently released a duo album with Bill Nace. She is also an active member of the Lille-based collective Muzzix, a vibrant hub for creative and free music, through which she has collaborated with artists such as Satoko Fujii, Jean-Luc Guionnet, Raymond Boni and Ingrid Laubrock.

Bold, uncompromising and deeply personal, this residency is an invitation to dive into Sakina Abdou’s musical world. Two nights to catch an artist in motion, tracing where she’s been and pushing into what’s coming next.