Album Release «Schatzcharte»

Since the early days of Switzerland’s hip-hop culture in the 1980s, EKR has been one of its defining figures. As a rapper, breakdancer, DJ, producer, graphic designer and songwriter, he has not only witnessed the scene’s evolution but actively helped shape it. Over four decades, he has remained true to his own compass, guided by a keen sense of language, integrity and flow. While trends have come and gone, EKR has continued to refine his distinctive style, establishing himself as one of the most consistent and credible voices in Swiss hip-hop. With «Schatzcharte», EKR laces up his Timberlands and walks straight through the noise of our times. Between algorithms and everyday life, streaming and the search for meaning, dopamine hits and constant distraction, he poses an uncomfortable question: what remains when we put our phones down and start thinking for ourselves? Co-produced and mixed by KWEST, «Schatzcharte» is a classic boom-bap album with a clear sense of purpose – dusty drums, warm samples and lyrics that aim to leave a mark rather than chase the latest trend. Ten tracks that don’t preach, but invite reflection. The treasure is not waiting at the end of the album. It begins the moment you start digging for it yourself.

DJ Enzout (Krazy Dawg Sound Jamaica)

Warm Up & Afterparty

Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, DJ Enzout is now based in Zurich and performs as a selector with the Krazydawg Sound System across Switzerland and beyond. EKR and Enzout have shared a long-standing musical connection rooted in positivity and conscious music. Enzout also joined EKR’s most recent tour as his main DJ.

Vocals

Keyboards

Bass

Drum Kit

Santrofi

Santrofi are among the most exciting voices in Ghana’s contemporary Highlife scene. Hailing from Accra, the eight-piece band blends the rich traditions of West African Highlife with funk, Afrobeat, and a vibrant contemporary energy built for the dancefloor. Founded in 2019 by bassist and producer Emmanuel Kwadwo Ofori, Santrofi brings together some of Ghana’s most sought-after musicians – artists who have performed and recorded with legends such as Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas, and AB Crentsil, while also remaining deeply connected to Ghana’s new generation of artists. Their acclaimed debut album Alewa (2020) introduced Santrofi to international audiences and led to performances at renowned festivals including WOMAD and Roskilde, as well as sold-out tours across Europe, Japan, and the United States. Driven by infectious percussion, rich horn arrangements, and powerful vocal harmonies, Santrofi’s live shows are an electrifying celebration of Highlife. With their latest album Making Moves, Santrofi enter a new chapter: deeply rooted in hypnotic Highlife rhythms while embracing funk, soul, and contemporary Afrobeat influences. Their music reflects life in Accra – stories of love, resilience, struggle, and the determination to keep moving forward.

Jah Melody

Born and raised in Dakar, Senegal, Jah Melody, aka Angle Baye Fall, has been immersed in urban music, reggae, dancehall, dub and African grooves for the past 25 years as a dedicated collector and selector. Based in Zurich since 2006, he has spun records at venues such as Kasheme, Bar 3000, Der Kern, Rote Fabrik and Gotthard Bar, as well as at festivals and sound system events including Reeds and Rundfunk.

Guitar

Trombone

Trumpet

Dance

Percussion

Cowbel

BaBa ZuLa

Moods & jazzhane present: 30th Anniversary Tour

Blending traditional instruments with electronics and retro Turkish sounds, BaBa ZuLa have created their own distinctive style: “Istanbul Psychedelia.” Deeply rooted in Anatolian traditions yet firmly grounded in the present, their music forms a vibrant bridge between past and present—and between the cultures of Istanbul. Since their formation in 1996, they have combined original compositions with intense improvisation, making each performance a unique experience. Led by Murat Ertel (electric saz, vocals, theremin) and Levent Akman (percussion, machines, objects), and joined by Ümit Adakale (darbuka), Esma Ertel (vocals, dance), as well as rotating bass and oud players, the band creates ritual-like shows that blur the line between concert and total artwork. BaBa ZuLa stand for a psychedelic form of Istanbul rock’n’roll—energetic, unpredictable, and shaped by the cultural richness of a city spanning Asia and Europe.

Yunus Findus

Warm Up & Cool Down

Yunus Findus is a booker, curator, radio host and DJ based in Zurich, built on mixed traditions, sounds and rhythms from an early age. His mixed background has led him to build bridges and weave influences throughout the music he shares. After several years as booker with Festival da Jazz in St. Moritz, he has been responsible for the program at Moods Zurich. As well as being co-founder of the collectives Beach Club Underground and Half Notes at the Smoke Floor, he has also recently started a monthly residency on local radio station GDS.FM. His sole wish is to share music with people.

Theremin

Derbouka

JazzBaragge Wednesday Jam

The JazzBaragge Wednesday Jam offers an important platform for the Swiss jazz jam scene. After the musical opening of the jam band, lively and exciting sound conversations begin between musicians who spontaneously meet on stage, reflecting the diversity of jazz in all its facets. The JazzBaragge Wednesday Jam is supported by the non-profit association JazzBaragge. There is no presale for JazzBaragge, only box office.

Niculin Janett Quartet

Musical conversations among the musicians, which seek to express what is difficult to put into words: Niculin Janett Quartet&#x27;s fourth album, Toxicology Report, embodies the bands symbiotic, almost dreamlike interplay. The music processes and reflects times of change. Remaining true to himself, Niculin Janett – as always – does so with a wink, allowing not only the heavy, but also the absurd and amusing aspects of the inner and outer worlds to find expression. Janett’s compositions are thus also a call for self-reflection and engagement with one’s own emotional world. Combining the unique voices of Niculin Janett on saxophone and Dimitri Howald on guitar, the Niculin Janett Quartet creates a distinguished sound of ethereal edginess, cunning sophistication and soulful warmth. Their playful improvisations, subtly underscored by the driving rhythm-section of Lisa Hoppe and Philipp Leibundgut, weave into (and out of) Janett&#x27;s compositions to result in an ever changing landscape of melodic discovery. Moods and the renowned Swiss jazz label UNIT Records join forces with &quot;UNIT live!&quot; to share the diversity of UNIT jazz. We will be showcasing the diversity of UNIT jazz by bringing the latest releases from the UNIT universe to the Moods stage at regular intervals.

Saxophon

Simone Santos & Trio

Adalu & Moods present

Singer and composer Simone Santos has been active on the Swiss music scene for many years. Her artistic work combines Brazilian musicality with a clear, personal style of expression that unfolds in her own projects, compositions, and select concert formats. Her voice is at the heart of her work – warm, narrative, and marked by a deep sensitivity to human emotions. As part of various ensembles – including the Santos Quartet, Gafieira Alpina, and Jazz Via Brasil – she has brought Brazilian music to numerous regions of Switzerland and across Europe. She has performed at venues such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Sziget Festival in Budapest, SOB’s in New York, and the Global Cuba Fest in Miami. With the release of her five most recent singles – four original compositions performed as a duo with Jodok Hess and a tribute to Guinga – a musical chapter that had long lain dormant within her is now unfolding. The recordings were made beginning in 2010 as part of the now-disbanded Santos Quartet and were completed in 2023. It is a kind of artistic archaeology: unearthing old traces, rediscovering fragments of sound, and gently continuing a story that speaks of inner movement, depth, and those bright, simple moments that shape life. At Moods, Simone Santos presents these five songs – not merely as a release, but as a vivid retelling of their creation. The concert becomes both a retrospective and a new beginning: music that has matured over many years finds its place in the present. The audience is invited to journey through emotional landscapes – through depth, stillness, joy, and lightness, which continue to resonate in each of these pieces.

Baile do Sururu

Based in Basel, Banda do Sururu brings the vibrant spirit of Brazilian music to the stage through groove-driven arrangements, improvisation, and an infectious rhythmic energy. Inspired by the atmosphere of Brazilian dance gatherings, the band creates performances that invite audiences both to listen and to move. The repertoire features creative interpretations of songs by renowned Brazilian composers such as Djavan, Tania Maria, Edu Lobo, João Nogueira and Chico Buarque, alongside original compositions by the group. By combining tradition with contemporary improvisation, the band creates a fresh and dynamic sound rooted in Brazilian musical culture. Since its creation, the project has quickly gained attention in the live music scene of Basel, becoming a lively presence in the city&#x27;s nightlife.

Altea, Theylovepiet, Candela, K4desh & R4heem, Svmthox backed by Gents Music

SENMBELEK & Moods present

NEXT UP is a new live concert format from SENMBELEK, hosted by the internationally successful reggae artist Cali P. The goal of the evening is to provide the next generation of Swiss artists with a stage where they can showcase their talents alongside a live band. Featuring Altea, Theylovepiet, Candela, K4desh &amp; R4hem, and Svmtox, the evening brings together some of Switzerland’s most exciting up-and-coming voices. All acts will be accompanied live by Gents Music. Spanning hip-hop, R&amp;B, Afrobeats, dancehall, soul, and modern urban sounds, attendees will experience the artists in a way rarely seen: with real musicians, a high-quality concert production, and the energy of a live show. NEXT UP stands for musical diversity, authentic live culture, and the future of the Swiss music scene. Don’t miss it! The afterparty is hosted by 079ME by LMN; tickets can be purchased via this link: https://eventfrog.ch/de/p/partys/hip-hop-rap/079me-3-years-outside-zuerich-7507521724243562375.html

Sawani Shende

Indian Music Circle & Moods present

Sawani Shende-Sathaye is among the defining voices of contemporary Hindustani classical music. Raised in a family with a rich musical heritage, she combines in her singing the melodic clarity of the Kirana gharana, renowned for its subtle exploration of tone and melody, with the expressive power of the Gwalior gharana, whose style is characterised by rhythmic precision and formal clarity. Having performed for the President of India as a teenager, she is now heard on renowned stages around the world. She is joined by four outstanding musicians: Dr. Mukul Acharya on harmonium and Zurich-based tabla virtuoso Shrirang Mirajkar. Judith Kramer and Kevin Groner use the broad brushstrokes of the tanpura to paint the backdrop against which this North Indian classical music unfolds in all its precision and depth. The programme includes classical ragas and khayals as well as semi-classical forms such as thumri and selected bhajans. In this constellation, the concert offers a rare insight into a living tradition that has been passed down through generations and remains one of the most sophisticated forms of musical expression in Indian classical music today.

Harmonium

Tabla

Tanpura

Abrupto

Marina Mello

Marina Mello is a Brazilian harpist who lives in Zurich. Building on her classical training, she has developed a unique approach to the harp and its almost infinite range of playing techniques. Mello is distinguished by her ability to transform the harp – an instrument that typically has a gentle sound – into a loud, powerful machine. The focus is on unconventional playing styles such as extended techniques, prepared instruments and the use of effects pedals. During Marina Mello’s first Carte Blanche evening, the air will be filled with rhythms, grooves and electric intensity. As part of the &quot;Abrupto&quot; project, she has created compositions for her new quartet, comprising herself on the harp, Mariá Portugal and Maurício Takara on drums, and Carla Boregas on electronics. &quot;Abrupto&quot; is the result of intensive rehearsals in Berlin, during which ideas, compositions and collaborative creative projects were explored and developed. The audience can look forward to a dynamic programme ranging from structured, notated pieces to works that leave room for improvisation and spontaneous composition.

Harp

Electronics

25 Years Vintage Jam Band

Piano

Christian McBride & Ursa Major

Christian McBride is an eleven-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. Additionally, he&#x27;s also artistic director, a respected educator and advocate for youth, and radio host. Whether behind the bass or away from it, Christian McBride is always part of the music. From jazz to R&amp;B, and pop/rock and hip-hop/neo-soul to classical, he is a luminary with one hand ever reaching for new heights, and the other extended in fellowship – and perhaps the hint of a challenge – inviting us to join him. Although he has performed with fellow giants Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau and Brian Blade in recent years, McBride started thinking about forming a new group as early as 2018. &quot;I knew that at some point I wanted to have what I call an &#x27;all-in&#x27; band. As you know, I used to call my old band, the CMB, a hybrid band, which meant we could kind of go anywhere, musically.&quot; With this new quintet, he has a band that can combine different styles in one group. He continues, &quot;Oh, and I also specifically knew I wanted it to be a young band. So I started looking around and seeing who was out there, who I thought might be able to fit that sort of hybrid / all-in vibe.&quot; In Ursa Major, he is joined by four rising young master instrumentalists including saxophonist Nicole Glover, guitarist Ely Perlman, pianist Mike King, and drummer Jonathan Barber.

Jasmine Myra

Jasmine Myra is one of the most exciting young jazz artists in the United Kingdom. Not only did her last performance result in our bookers shedding tears of joy, but her two previous albums, &quot;Horizons&quot; (2022) and &quot;Rising&quot; (2024), were highly praised by critics. Now, with her new album, &quot;Where Light Settles&quot;, the composer and bandleader is taking the next step in her unique musical journey of discovery. Through nine beautiful compositions, she shares her reflections on life, growth, and progress. She is driven by her vision of duality: “Pain is inevitable, and you will always face difficulties, but without it, you won&#x27;t grow or learn anything about yourself or the world around you. It&#x27;s those bittersweet moments that are heartbreaking but so important.” This latest work is not only her first self-composed album, but also her first self-produced album. Matthew Halsall, head of the Gondwana label and a continuation of the spiritual jazz tradition of Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders, served as co-producer. The album is a colourful soundscape, shaped by Myra&#x27;s affinity for film music.

Altsaxophon

Flute

Tenorsaxophon

K.O.S Crew Dancehall Mood

Dancehall Mood is the monthly reggae and dancehall party at Moods. Like on every first Saturday of the month, the K.O.S crew will make the Moods club cooking with hot riddims. This promises an evening full of dancehall hits and reggae rarities, perfectly tuned to the respective audience and immaculately presented by the K.O.S crew and their guest.

Björn Meyer Convergence

Born in Sweden and based in Switzerland since 1996, Björn Meyer is acclaimed for his category-defying musicianship, expanding the sonic and expressive possibilities of the electric bass. Honoured with the Swiss Music Prize (2019) and the Canton Bern Music Prize (2018), Meyer continues to redefine the voice of the electric bass across cultures, genres and traditions. His solo-work has led him to festivals and audiences worldwide, from the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and Ronnie Scott’s in London to Istanbul, Yokohama, Tehran, and beyond. Alongside his solo career, Meyer has forged long-lasting collaborations across diverse musical landscapes. He has, for example, worked extensively with Tunisian oud master Anouar Brahem and, for three decades, shaped contemporary Swedish folk music with Bazar Blå. With &quot;Convergence&quot; (2026), his second solo album on ECM, he further develops music on the blueprint established with his pivotal solo-debut &quot;Provenance&quot; (2017). Produced by Manfred Eicher, these recordings explore the unheard potential of the bass guitar to create striking sonorities and rich-grained textures while also being acutely aware of the acoustic space in which the sounds emerge — what Meyer describes as a “second member” in his solo performances.

E-Bass

Septeto Naborí

Septeto Nabori is a Cuban son septet with over 30 years of stage experience. The musicians blend the tradition of Son Cubano from eastern Cuba with a vibrant, contemporary concert style. Now based in Europe, the band performs at festivals and venues in Cuba and throughout Europe. Their repertoire is rooted in traditional Cuban styles, supported by elegant arrangements, polyphonic vocals, and a precise rhythm section. Their concerts span the spectrum from the historical roots of son to its contemporary forms of expression, without losing sight of the music’s original character. Septeto Nabori stands for musical quality, a joy of playing, and an immediate connection with the audience. Over the years, the ensemble has shared the stage with artists such as Compay Segundo, Oscar D’León, and Eliades Ochoa, bringing the diversity of Son Cubano to international stages.

DJ D & MimoMusic

DJ D and MimoMusic invite you to dance before and after the concert. The focus will be on music from Cuba, with both classics and current hits hitting the turntables.

Guiro

Maracas

Tres

Congas

Bongos

Disk Jockey

Since 2017, we have been streaming some of the concerts and enabling the musicians to earn additional income - 70% of the subscription revenue goes directly to the musicians. With a subscription you get access to over 600 concerts and help to keep this project running.

Streaming

Over 700 video-on-demand and 40 live streams per year from jazz, global, blues, funk, soul and rap await you. Curated with playlists and recommendations from our program team. In addition, 70% of the subscription revenue goes directly to the musicians. With a subscription you support the artists and this project.

Psychedelic Music Explosion

BaBa ZuLa

Yunus Findus