๐—œ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐˜„ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—ฃ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜† ๐—š๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜€๐˜€ ๐—ฏ๐˜† ๐—œ๐—”๐— ๐—” (International Artist Managers' Association)

Click here to visit โฎ• IAMAโ€™s website (International Artist Managersโ€™ Association)

Please take some time to read the latest interview by IAMA featuring Poney Gross, who joined the association as a Full Member this year.


1. As a performing musician, until you formed your company Zig Zag in 1997, do you think your experience has equipped you to deal with the artists you represent?

Yes, definitely. The fact that Iโ€™ve had a career as a musician and experienced the different realities and challenges of a musicianโ€™s life has helped me a lot in all aspects of the role of manager that I assume with them today.

The artists know that theyโ€™re dealing with someone who knows the profession well, which gives them confidence. Thatโ€™s a plus at the start of the relationship.
Thatโ€™s not to say that everything is easy, but there is a basis on which we can build, achieve and develop.

Iโ€™m always artistically involved in the creation of the projects (in some cases, I propose the project ideas), and thereโ€™s a fundamental team spirit and willingness to listen, not forgetting the notion of having fun in the work, to get the best possible results.


2. Your agency specialises in musics outside the more traditional Western classical tradition but your artists work with orchestras and chamber musicians too. Have you noticed an openness from the classical music world to collaborations?

Yes, clearly. The classical music world is becoming increasingly open to collaborations with artists from other musical traditions. Itโ€™s nothing new, but the interest is growing. My participation in the last two IAMAs confirms this.

A few years ago, we created our first crossover project with the Cuban a cappella group Vocal Sampling to celebrate their 30-year career. I challenged them to confront their voices with a symphony orchestra (the Orquesta del Lyceum de La Havana).

This experience revealed not only the enthusiasm of the audience, but also the involvement of the conductor and the musicians of the orchestra, who were curious and motivated by this artistic dialogue. It encouraged us to continue exploring this artistic line.

Weโ€™ve added some new original symphonic creations with Moroccan oud master Driss El Maloumi and Belgian diatonic accordionist Didier Laloy.
Collaborations with various symphony orchestras in Europe (Wurzburg Philharmonic, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Olten Philharmonic, Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Filarmonica Della Calabriaโ€ฆ) have confirmed a very positive reception, both artistically and from the public.

We collaborated twice with the Tonkรผnstler Orchester in Vienna for the Cuban project and the one with Driss El Maloumi. There were around 900 people at the Musikverein for the first and over 1,200 for the second. These projects attract new audiences, some of whom are entering these halls for the first time and discovering what a symphony orchestra is all about. They are likely to return for concerts featuring a classical repertoire.

We are also beginning to receive interest in our crossover projects with string quartets and quintets. After working with Eesti Kontsert in Estonia at the start of the year on Driss El Maloumiโ€™s quintet formula, our Dyad duo will be visiting the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society in December for a collaboration with the excellent Ciurlionis Quartet.


3. To create opportunities for your artists within the classical presentation setting, you are taking on the risk of promoting your own series too. Why have you undertaken this path despite the risks?

Zig Zag World is mainly a management agency, we create, produce and develop artistic proposals with our artists, but we also have, by default, to take on booking responsibilities in certain territories where we donโ€™t have agreements with agencies.

We very rarely produce concerts ourselves, because I think itโ€™s a different profession. But exceptionally, the challenge is sometimes worth it. For example, to celebrate the โ€˜Didier Laloy Symphonicโ€™ in Belgium, weโ€™re going to produce the concert at the Cirque Royal, a prestigious venue in Brussels with a capacity of over 1,700 people.

Weโ€™re putting together our own orchestra with the Nethen Chamber Orchestra, the Quartz wind ensemble and 2 percussionists.
With the date set for 8 February 2026, we have 8 months to fill the hall. A very exciting challenge ๐Ÿ™‚


4. The word โ€œcrossoverโ€ is an outdated expression to use but do you have some alternative descriptions you like to use when approaching, for example, an orchestra in Vienna or Brussels?

This is an excellent question โ€“ and a real subject for debate among professionals. Many of us recognise that the term โ€˜crossoverโ€™ means everything and its opposite, which can make projects harder to understand.

Here are a few suggested names that are on the table:
โ€ขโ  โ Musical Confluences Projects
โ€ขโ  โ Global Music Confluences
โ€ขโ  โ Bridging Sounds Projects
โ€ขโ  โ Neo-World Classical
โ€ขโ  โ TransClassical Projects
โ€ขโ  โ EthnoClassical Projects
โ€ขโ  โ InterClassical Projects

Perhaps we should launch a consultation on this subject?


5. We like to ask what members enjoy doing in their spare time. We are guessing that you like to continue playing music. Would that be correct?

Unfortunately, I havenโ€™t played for many years. I had a career as a percussionist, specialising in African and Afro-Cuban percussion. I studied in Cuba, as well as in several West African countries. I had the immense privilege of learning and playing alongside the Guinean master Mamady Keita, considered to be one of the greatest djembe players in the world. I was then his manager for over twenty years, until his passing.

Iโ€™m always curious and happy to discover new musical projects and emerging artists.

Aside from music, Iโ€™m interested in culture in general, the worrying socio-ecological and political situation in the world and certain sports, particularly basketball, which I played for a long time. Iโ€™m a fan of the Belgian womenโ€™s national basketball team (the fantastic Belgium Cats), whom I go to see in matches whenever I can.


A few video links:


๐—Ÿ๐—” ๐—•๐—”๐—ก๐—ญ๐—”: New EP '๐—Ÿ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ถ๐˜๐˜†' coming out soon!

Weโ€™re excited to announce the release of La Banzaโ€˜s brand-new EP โ€˜Locanityโ€™ on Friday, August 1st!

Silvia is a multilingual singer, violinist and pianist whose music draws on her Czech and Spanish roots to create a truly original sound. Her work moves effortlessly between genres-blending classical influences with world music, pop and electronic textures.

This 6-track EP reflects the richness of her multicultural background. With songs written in French, English, Czech and Spanish, each track resonates with its own emotion and rhythm.

This new release is a big step forward for Silvia โ€“ driven by her creative freedom, her rich cultural background and a sound thatโ€™s truly her own.


๐——๐—œ๐——๐—œ๐—˜๐—ฅ ๐—Ÿ๐—”๐—Ÿ๐—ข๐—ฌ ๐—ฆ๐—ฌ๐— ๐—ฃ๐—›๐—ข๐—ก๐—œ๐—– & ๐—š๐—จ๐—˜๐—ฆ๐—ง๐—ฆ in Cirque Royal, Brussels - 08.02.2026

Didier Laloy and his SYMPHONIC crew invite you to a true musical fireworks display!

The dazzling climax of two extraordinary years filled with encounters, madness, and intense emotions.

To mark this unique moment, a special event will take place at the prestigious CIRQUE ROYAL in BRUSSELS!
For this exceptional evening, Didier has brought together a constellation of artists who have shaped his journey โ€” and all have answered the call!

In harmony with the ORCHESTRE DE CHAMBRE DE LA Nร‰THEN and the ENSEMBLE QUARTZ, youโ€™ll witness a spectacular and unprecedented evening featuring more than 60 artists from all walks of life.

An event not to be missed!

Tickets: CLICK HERE


๐——๐—ฌ๐—”๐—— & ๐—ฆ๐—”๐—•๐—ฅ๐—œ๐—ก๐—” ๐—ฅ๐—ข๐— ๐—˜๐—ฅ๐—ข *New Collaboration*

The DYAD duo (Didier Laloy & Adrien Tyberghein) join forces with the Musiques Nouvelles ensemble for an exceptional concert on Wednesday July 2 at the Arsonic as part of the Festival au Carrรฉ.

On the program: the world premiere of โ€œSuite pour contrebasse, accordรฉon diatonique et orchestreโ€, an original work composed by DYAD and arranged by Gwenaรซl Mario Grisi, where improvisation, world music, classical and rock influences meet.


To open the evening, DYAD invites Sabrina Romero, an Andalusian singer/percussionist with a bewitching flamenco voice, for a vibrant, cross-cultural performance.

 

More infos & tickets: CLICK HERE


๐——๐—ฌ๐—”๐—— & ๐— ๐—จ๐—ฆ๐—œ๐—ค๐—จ๐—˜๐—ฆ ๐—ก๐—ข๐—จ๐—ฉ๐—˜๐—Ÿ๐—Ÿ๐—˜๐—ฆ *New Creation* @ Festival au Carrรฉ, Mons (BE) | 02.07

The DYAD duo (Didier Laloy & Adrien Tyberghein) join forces with the Musiques Nouvelles ensemble for an exceptional concert on Wednesday July 2 at the Arsonic as part of the Festival au Carrรฉ.

On the program: the world premiere of โ€œSuite pour contrebasse, accordรฉon diatonique et orchestreโ€, an original work composed by DYAD and arranged by Gwenaรซl Mario Grisi, where improvisation, world music, classical and rock influences meet.


To open the evening, DYAD invites Sabrina Romero, an Andalusian singer/percussionist with a bewitching flamenco voice, for a vibrant, cross-cultural performance.

 

More infos & tickets: CLICK HERE


๐—ง๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐—ผ ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ผ๐˜„ '๐—Ÿ๐—ฒ ๐— ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ฒ ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜ ๐˜‚๐—ป ๐—ฉ๐—ถ๐—น๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ด๐—ฒ' ๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ด๐—ฒ๐—ฟ!

RTBF plans to drastically cut back the program starting in fall 2025: goodbye to daily broadcasts, replaced by just a few hours on weekends. Most importantly, the end of essential partnerships with key players in the music sector.
For 25 years, this radio show has championed rare musical diversity, supported artists, organized concerts, and built cultural bridgesโ€ฆ An entire ecosystem is now under threat.


๐Ÿ‘‰  Sign the petition to defend a show that brings people together through music: CLICK HERE


๐—ฉ๐—ข๐—–๐—”๐—Ÿ ๐—ฆ๐—”๐— ๐—ฃ๐—Ÿ๐—œ๐—ก๐—š - ๐—จ๐—ฝ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜๐˜€ ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—š๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐˜† ๐˜๐—ต๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐—”๐—ฝ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐—น

We are pleased to announce that the renowned Cuban a cappella ensemble Vocal Sampling will be performing in Germany this April:

Friday 11 April โ€“ Symphonic concert in Ludwigshafen with the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz @ BASF
Saturday 12 April โ€“ A capella concert in Bernau @ Bernauer Musikfestspiele

Famous for their remarkable ability to recreate the sound of a full orchestra using only their voices, Vocal Sampling has captivated audiences worldwide with their unique blend of Latin rhythms and vocal mastery. These concerts promise to be an exceptional musical experience for all attendees.

For more information and ticket reservations, visit:

April 11 (Ludwigshafen): https://www.concerti.de/termine/vocal-sampling-deutsche-staatsphilharmonie-rheinland-pfalz-markus-huber-leitung-basf-feierabendhaus-515041/

April 12 (Bernau): https://www.public-tickets-shop.de/produkte/200-tickets-vocal-sampling-a-cappella-aus-kuba-evangelische-stadtkirche-biesenthal-biesenthal-am-12-04-2025


๐——๐—œ๐——๐—œ๐—˜๐—ฅ ๐—Ÿ๐—”๐—Ÿ๐—ข๐—ฌ ๐—ฆ๐—ฌ๐— ๐—ฃ๐—›๐—ข๐—ก๐—œ๐—– ๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐˜€ ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—™๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ณ๐—ถ๐—ฟ๐˜€๐˜ ๐˜๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฒ!

Didier Laloy proposes a unique project combining the refinement of his compositions with the power of an orchestra of 30 musicians, with the participation of the Nรฉthen Chamber Orchestra and Ensemble Quartz.
The symphonic arrangements of Laloy Didierโ€™s emblematic pieces have been entrusted to Jean-Luc Fafchamps and Gwenael Mario Grisi, offering a rare encounter between the diatonic accordion and the orchestra.
This first tour in Flanders will also highlight two exceptional guests: Kathy Adam on cello and Adrien Tyberghein on double bass, who will make their unique contribution to this musical adventure.

Tour dates in Flanders:
08/02/2025: CC Belgica โ€“ Dendermonde
01/03/2025: CC Sint-Niklaas โ€“ Sint-Niklaas *๐—–๐—”๐—ก๐—–๐—˜๐—Ÿ๐—Ÿ๐—˜๐——*
25/04/2025: CC โ€˜t Vondel โ€“ Halle
03/05/2025: CC De Factorij โ€“ Zaventem


๐——๐—ฅ๐—œ๐—ฆ๐—ฆ ๐—˜๐—Ÿ ๐— ๐—”๐—Ÿ๐—ข๐—จ๐— ๐—œ: ๐— ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜๐˜€ ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—˜๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—ฝ๐—ฒ ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐˜„๐—ฎ๐˜†

๐—•๐—œ๐—š ๐—”๐—ก๐—ก๐—ข๐—จ๐—ก๐—–๐—˜๐— ๐—˜๐—ก๐—ง: More concerts dates across Europe are on the way for Driss El Maloumi Trio (& Watar Quintet)

After the release of his album โ€˜Detailsโ€™ last September and his Belgian tour in December, Driss El Maloumi is delighted to continue the adventure and share more wonderful musical moments.

๐—ฆ๐—”๐—ฉ๐—˜ ๐—ง๐—›๐—˜ ๐——๐—”๐—ง๐—˜๐—ฆ
19.02 โ€“ Pรคrnu, Estonia @ Eesti Kontsert (Trio + Keelpillikvintett)
20.02 โ€“ Tallinn, Estonia @ Eesti Kontsert (Trio + Keelpillikvintett)
25.02 โ€“ Zurich, Switzerland @ Moods (Trio)
27.02 โ€“ Brussels, Belgium @ Wolubilis (Trio + Watar Quintet)
28.02 โ€“ Turnhout, Belgium @ de Warande (Trio + Watar Quintet)

Production: Contre-Jour x Zig Zag World


๐—•๐—”๐—œ ๐—ž๐—”๐— ๐—”๐—ฅ๐—” ๐—๐—ฅ. (๐—ฆ๐—ข๐—Ÿ๐—ข) ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—•๐—ผ๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ถ๐—พ๐˜‚๐—ฒ - ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฑ.๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฎ

Bai Kamara Jr. is stepping onto the stage of La Rotonde, at Le Botanique tonight! If youโ€™re in the mood to relax and soak in some electrifying soulful blues, this is the place to be tonight.

Just like the great bluesmen before him, Bai will share the stories behind each song, giving you a glimpse into the life and emotions that shaped his music.

Photo credit: Michael Chia