In late December 2024, L’Abri-Genève was delighted to host, for the second year running, an artist residency as part of its collaboration with the Rhizome Contemporary Art Gallery.
Rhizome
Located in the centre of Algiers, its name refers to the resilient roots and stems found in botany, as well as to a structure that is constantly evolving in all directions, as understood in philosophy. This is its mission: operating both as a commercial gallery and an independent arts organisation, Rhizome works passionately to promote emerging, multidisciplinary contemporary artists, with a particular focus on art from Algeria and its diaspora.
For 20 days, Ikram Abderrahim and Hamza Ousaid alternated between studio sessions and composition work in L’Abri's space, with the aim of bringing sounds back from Geneva for future projects. We will introduce them to you here!
Hamza, also known as ZaHHam, is a 22-year-old Algerian artist. As a rapper, singer and composer, he explores a rich musical world at the crossroads of rap, chaâbi, raï and electro. This residency in Switzerland marked a double first for him: his first international experience and his first visit to Switzerland.
Since his debut album ‘Façon de parler’ (Way To Speak) in 2020, which draws inspiration from Algeria’s cultural diversity, ZaHHam has addressed profound themes in his lyrics relating to Algerian youth, public space and the psychology of street life. At L’Abri-Geneva, he chose to develop an introspective project centred on voluntary mental wandering and the feeling of inner exile – concepts that resonate particularly strongly with his artistic and personal journey.
The meetings he had during the residency drove him to a collaboration on the production of a music video with Ciel Sourdeau AA24-25, sparking a new creative dynamic. He also had the privilege of performing on stage at the Jumeau Jazz Club in Lausanne, a memorable experience that enriched his stay and nourished his artistic expression.
Ikram, also known as Ikorner, is an Algerian singer, songwriter and composer. Self-taught, she draws on her personal and societal experiences to craft music that is both intimate and socially engaged. In 2022, she joined the DÉCLIC programme, where she created her first sound installation, “EL KOUTMEN”, exhibited in Algiers in 2023. Her first single, “ROOTS”, followed by “SWAR” and “Q.O.H.”, marked the beginning of her professional career. She is currently working on an album due for release in summer 2025, whilst collaborating with various musicians and producers. Driven by a desire to break down musical barriers, Ikorner is part of a new wave of contemporary, free-spirited Algerian artists.
She returned from her residency at L’Abri with demos for five tracks, which will form her next EP. She is currently working on the arrangements and studio recordings, as well as the visuals that will accompany her tracks (music videos, cover art, visual identity). Her stay in Geneva also gave her the opportunity to make fascinating intercultural connections and forge new friendships with this year’s Associated Artists.
