Aljamía is a dance, fire arts and music collective inspired by medieval Europe and La Convivencia. Songs and dances from the golden age of Islam and Judaism, Christian musician kings, visionary saints, anonymous minstrels and street performers. Aljamía takes you on a journey to a forgotten and erased past of multiculturalism, wisdom and beauty.
We will take you on a medieval journey throughout centuries and continents. Together as a collective, we bring to the stage a Dance & Fire show, with live music.
Our ensemble consists of six performers bringing our talents together in the spirit of dance and music, to bring joy to other people. Hannah (fire and dancing), João Almeida (bagpipes and flutes), Rocío Ibacache (violin and vocals), Sebastian Forno (accordion), Yiss Mill (percussion) & Simon Kong (bass and oud)
Born in France, she developed a passion in Egyptian bellydance which has escalated into a career as a professional dancer and teacher spanning the last 15 years. In that time, she has expanded her skill set to incorporate fire dancing, fire eating and stilt walking. Hannah has collaborated within various genres including opera, mediaeval & street performance.
Hannah formed Aljamía in 2020 in the hope to introduce & expose Australia to European mediaeval culture.
João “Jaye” Almeida is a traditional piper and flute player from Lisbon, Portugal. Jaye is a founding member of Sydney bands. Celtic Tones, The Last Aurochs, as well as Aljamía. Currently Jaye co-hosts a traditional Irish music session every Sunday at the Doss House with co-founder Stephen Powell.
Jaye plays handmade bagpipes by Sons da Música (gaita Galega/transmontana), Jorge Lira (gaita Galega), Bill Hart (Scottish smallpipes) and Olle Geris (cornemuse du centre), and handmade simple system flutes by Jil Léhart.
Yiss Mill emerges from Sydney's dynamic music scene as a percussionist with a magnetic stage presence. Deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of traditional Jewish and Hasidic melodies, his musical horizons stretch far beyond, encompassing a diverse array of genres: from the pulsating beats of pop, psytrance, and rock and roll to the soulful echoes of psychedelic rock, folk, soul, klezmer, and even mediaeval music.
His captivating performances have illuminated stages both nationally and abroad, collaborating with esteemed artists such as Lior, The Nevilles, Jeryko, Rita B, Pasko Schravemade, Shirley Crescent, Triex, God K, and The Walkers.
Currently, Yiss Mill infuses his distinctive style and energy as a member of the bands Aljamia and Chutney and works with the talented Illan Kidron, Lara Goodridge, Doron Chester, and Sarit Michael.
Simon is a multi-talented musician with a passion for bridging cultures through music. Born in China and raised in Australia, Simon's diverse background enriches his musical journey. His mastery of the upright and electric bass, as well as the enchanting Arabic oud, sets him apart in the music world.
Simon's musical prowess has led him to collaborate with renowned international musicians from Latin America, including Cuba, Spain, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Uruguay, Peru, and beyond. His fluency in various musical styles, particularly those from Arabic nations, reflects years of dedication and love for the art form.
Whether grooving to Latin rhythms or weaving intricate melodies on the oud, Simon's musical expressions resonate with authenticity and soul, captivating audiences worldwide. As a versatile performer and cultural ambassador, Simon continues to inspire and unite listeners through the universal language of music.