Nafas - Sargfabrik - 2026

Sargfabrik - Verein für integrative Lebensgestaltung, Wien

Nafas (meaning “breath”) brings together six musicians who have been shaping the Viennese music scene for years and are equally at home on international stages. Through their voices, Nataša Mirković, Basma Jabr, Sakina Teyna, and Golnar Shahyar weave together stories, memories, and experiences from diverse cultural contexts—multifaceted and imbued with a profound poetic presence.

As composers, producers, singers, and artists who transcend boundaries, they draw on musical traditions from the Middle East, the Balkans, and Central Asia, without ever allowing themselves to be confined by origin or genre. Together with Mahan Mirarab on guitar and Amir Wahba on percussion, they create an open sonic space that blends improvisation, rhythm, and narrative depth.

Between a contemporary musical language, traditional influences, and spontaneous musical encounters, a music unfolds that understands movement as a principle—free, fluid, and full of mutual attentiveness. The six musicians first came together in this formation in 2018 and have been collaborating repeatedly on various projects ever since.

As a vocal artist,Nataša Mirković moves effortlessly between baroque, folk music, jazz, and improvisation and is considered one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary European music.

Syrian singer Basma Jabr blends traditional Arabic music with jazz and contemporary influences to create a unique musical language.

Sakina Teyna draws on the rich tradition of Kurdish storytelling and singing culture and combines it with contemporary forms of musical expression.

Golnar Shahyar is one of the defining voices of the European contemporary and improvised music scene.

Iranian guitarist and composer Mahan Mirarab uses his fretless guitar to blend Iranian musical traditions with jazz, chamber music, and improvisation.

Amir Wahba blends influences from North African, Brazilian, and Cuban music with jazz and contemporary improvisation.