The International Horn of Africa Music Festival
he International Horn of Africa Music Festival
debuts in Milan
July 24, 25 and 26
at the Parco Center (Via Ambrogio Binda, 30)
Milan is preparing to become the epicenter of the sounds of the Horn of Africa.
The International Horn of Africa Music Festival debuts at the PARCO CENTER (Via Ambrogio Binda, 30) with a unique formula that combines academic dissemination and world-class live performances. The event celebrates the cultural richness of a region with a millennia-old history through its most prestigious artists.
A program of culture and entertainment spread over three days:
Friday, July 24: Checchia Reloaded. Sounds from the Horn of Africa
The festival will open with an evening dedicated to cultural exploration. Starting at 6:00 PM , Valentina Fusari , professor at the University of Turin, will lead the audience on a journey through recordings of music from the Horn of Africa. This will be followed by a panel discussion with international stars HaddinQo and Tommy T.
Saturday, July 25: “ Ethiopian Vibe ”
The culmination of the festival will see the greatest exponents of the contemporary scene take to the stage:
HaddinQo & Desta Groove Band : the “ rockstar of Masinqo ” , winner of Afrima 2025 as Best African Jazz Artist
Tommy T & Ras Metehat : former bassist of Gogol Bordello , global icon and ambassador of an international sound capable of mixing Ethio-jazz, soul, funk and reggae.
Sunday, July 26: Eritrean Soul
A day entirely dedicated to the roots and evolution of Eritrean music:
3:00 PM – Introduction to Eritrean music : cultural meeting hosted by Solomun Bahli , an expert in the history, traditional instruments, and evolution of the Eritrean music scene.
4.30pm – Live Showcase : the stage will come to life with the concert of the SINIT band , led by the voice and ancestral sound of the Krar of Mulugheta Ketema .
The festival will be enriched by the authentic flavors of traditional cuisine, courtesy of Milan’s Ristorante Africa .
“This festival, the first in Milan and in Italy , aims to raise awareness of an extraordinary cultural heritage and has chosen PARCO CENTER for its strong multicultural vocation – declares Asli Haddas , organizer and owner of the Gogol’Ostello Spazio Culturale – We bring the musical excellence of the Horn of Africa to Milan, combining the depth of musicological research with the overwhelming energy of the sounds and melodies of this part of the world . “
INFORMATION
Where : PARCO CENTER – Via Ambrogio Binda 30, Milan
When : Friday, July 24 (6:00 PM), Saturday, July 25, 2026 (6:00 PM), and Sunday, July 26, 2026 (12:30 PM)
How to get there : Metro M2 Romolo / Bus 47 / 74
Milan, June 23, 2026
Press contacts and accreditation requests:
Festival Press Office : Asli Haddas ( gogol.milano@gmail.com / +39 351 9811603)
Note to journalists : Artists HaddinQo and Tommy T are available for interviews by appointment.