A Paradise In The Hold is an album of yearning. It’s about Ivor Novello Award winning Yazz Ahmed’s dual heritage, drawing on traditional music and folklore as well as her own personal experience as a British-Bahraini woman. A sweeping epic where tradition meets innovation, she melds ancient rhythms with contemporary musicianship. The record is a tribute to the sorrowful songs of Bahrain’s pearl divers, the strength of Arab women, and the celebratory rhythms of women's traditional drumming circles, while also telling the story of Yazz’s own decade-long voyage of self-discovery.

The album also marks Yazz’s first foray into writing lyrics, in both English and Arabic, bringing a new dimension to her expansive sound. The project features an impressive roster of collaborators, including vocalists Natacha Atlas, Brigitte Beraha, and percussionist Corrina Silvester. With A Paradise In The Hold, Ahmed delivers a groundbreaking fusion of tradition and innovation, creating a contemporary jazz project that is set to make a lasting impact on the genre.

For this album launch premiere, Yazz will be using the venue's state-of-the-art 360° d&b Soundscape system.

There will be a paid cloakroom available for this event. Tickets are £2.50 per item and are available to purchase at the box office

Event Info

• Please note a venue levy of £1.50 is included in the cost of all tickets.
• ICA Membership discounts do not apply for this event.
• This event is 18+, general admission, standing.
• This event may contain the use of haze and flashing lights.
• We have a small raised platform to accommodate wheelchair users or others who require a chair. To request, please purchase a ticket, then contact access@ica.art
• If you have other access requirements, need more info, or want to contact us, go to the Access page