Last year it was throat singing from China and Mongolia that opened the Planeta world culture festival. This year Egypt's biggest pop star Hakim and his 16-piece band will kick off the proceedings at the Konserthus on November 2.
- He has successfully combined the old with the new. Hakim has blended oriental music with western pop and created a new sound, says Said Chaouch, one of the festival's organisers in a statement.
Hakim rose to prominence in about the year 2000. He has since sold around 6.5 million records and according to the organisers, is known as the "Lion of Egypt" or the "King of Shaabi".
- He has brought new life to Shaabi music and taken it to a new public, not only in his home country, but around the world, says Said Chaouch.
At this year's festival there are over 40 events in the form concerts, workshops and films. Taking place November 2-6, most events are held in Gothenburg, but some are in Trollhättan, on the south coast and in Lysekil.
Apart from Hakim, some of this year's major acts include Cuban big-band Manolito y su Trabuco, Indian sitar player Preetam Banerjee & the Anubhab trio, and Senegal's Sadio Cissokho & Golden Kora Band.
