
Mahazine 2 Release Party
Mahazine 2 Release Party
Tuesday 25 February 2025
Tuesday 25 February 2025
In Paradiso - Upstairs Room
Doors: 19:30, Main programme: 20:00
- Program is half seated, half standing
This show is part of

Kosmos
Maha Eljak invites you to celebrate the launch of the second edition of her self-published DIY zine, Mahazine. This new issue, themed Art as a Form of Resistance, boldly continues the journey she began in 2021 to break stereotypes, express frustrations, and share her story.
With Mahazine, Maha reclaims her narrative, unapologetically embracing her identity as a Black Muslim woman. Through a creative explosion of punk, vibrant collages, interviews, stories, poetry, and photography, the zine challenges societal norms, sparks awareness, and inspires readers to question assumptions.
The launch event promises a night filled with culture, entertainment, and resistance. Expect poetry, live bands, inspiring guests, food, drinks, and more. (Spoiler: the evening will be super Sudanese!)
Line-up
Upstairs Room
- Razeen
- Sammy Idris
- Nora + Raiyu + Nevera Soundsystem
- Lâl Avgen
- Maha Eljak
Line-up
Poetry by Razeen
As a Sudanese, raised in the Netherlands, In every creative discipline Razeen touches upon, he walks the thin line between his Sudanese/Afro-Arabic roots & influence by Western pop culture. Being considered an ‘activistic’ artist, juggling between writing, music, styling & art directing, he naturally tends to bring light to societal problems. One of many reasons why he could be considered a representative of the Sudanese- & even the Arabic diaspora community in the West. With his introspective yet playful sense of self, you can expect a dynamic, energetic yet vulnerable performance.
Sammy Idris (speaker)
Sammy Shefa Idris (2001) is a filmmaker from a small town in Friesland, Hardegarijp. Admitted at a young age to the prestigious Netherlands Film Academy. He integrates art forms such as music, poetry, dance, and music videos into his work. His film King Ridwan was screened at many festivals and is part of the Movies That Matter educational program. In 2024, he graduated with VFX ultra short film A Taste of Friendship, and awards winning film Vaders Zijn Ook Zonen (Fathers Are Sons Too), a film about loss and fatherhood. He constantly seeks new ways to tell intimate stories and aims to leave the world a little better than he found.
MAHAZINE RESISTANCE BINGO
This isn’t your typical bingo. It’s about experiences, self-expression, and small acts of resistance. Each square represents a moment of breaking barriers, embracing identity, or challenging norms through creativity. The first to complete a row wins not just the game but also the chance to take the stage and share their story. An interactive and inspiring way to reflect on what Art as a Form of Resistance truly means.
Nora + Raiyu + Nevera Soundsystem (Live Music)
Raiyu and Nora are an Amsterdam-based producer/singer duo who came together to release their first EP Waiting Room at the end of 2023. The alternative R&B project explores themes of introspection and uncertainty while channeling various influences ranging from jazz to hip-hop to funk. Their live band is composed of members from the music collective Nevera Soundsystem, so you can expect to hear tracks from their EP expanded into new dimensions with its live arrangement.
Sudanese Coffee by Napata Restaurant
Napata Restaurant, based in Utrecht, is more than just a place to eat, it’s a tribute to Sudanese culture and resilience. Founded by Abdel and Ranya, who fled Sudan 15 years ago due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, Napata is their way of keeping Sudanese traditions alive while creating a home in the Netherlands. At the Mahazine release party, they will bring the warmth of Sudanese hospitality with their signature Jabana, traditional spiced Sudanese coffee, brewed with love and heritage. Experience the rich flavors of Sudan, one cup at a time.
Visuals by Lâl Avgen
Lâl Avgen (she/her) is an Istanbul-born, internationally based artist living in Amsterdam. She is a visual content creator, performance artist, and organizer, working at the intersection of technology and live visuals. Her work blends generative and real-life imagery, often performed live as a VJ. She also creates custom laser show scenarios and experiments with bio-sensors in performances, exploring language and perception. Lâl’s VJ career began in Istanbul and continued in the Netherlands, where she has worked with Vault Sessions, Orphic Amsterdam, and Radion Amsterdam. In 2022, she co-founded The Echo Series, curating multi-sensory club experiences that highlight artists across disciplines.
EXPO: A GLIMPSE OF US - Marhaba by Maha Eljak
Originally showcased at OSCAM, a part of this exhibition will be displayed again during the Mahazine release party. A Glimpse of Us – Marhaba offers a deeply personal look at Sudan, capturing its beauty and resilience. Through unfiltered, authentic images, this exhibition reflects my own experience of returning to Sudan after five years, reconnecting with my roots, and seeing my homeland through a different lens. While Sudan’s breathtaking landscapes and rich culture shine through, it is impossible to ignore the devastating humanitarian crisis currently unfolding. Millions are displaced, and civilians continue to endure unimaginable suffering.
DIP (Tuesdays In Paradiso)
DIP (Tuesdays In Paradiso) is a free space in Paradiso's Upstairs Room where creatives are given the opportunity to try out new ideas and experiment with the support of Paradiso's expertise. It is where organizations, collectives, artists, performers, creators, free spirits, and inventors can grow their talent and present their artistic expressions on a Tuesday night at Paradiso.

How to get to Paradiso
Paradiso is on the Weteringschans 6-8 in Amsterdam. That is very close to Leidseplein. From every part of the city there are trams heading towards Leidseplein. From there on out you can walk to Paradiso. Free and secured underground bike parking is available on the opposite side of Paradiso. Travelling by car is difficult, since there are only a few busy parking lots nearby.
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