BROUA (Tunisia)
Updated: Sep 9
BROUA is a cross-cultural ensemble led by Tunisian composer and singer Wissem Ziadi and made up of musicians from Tunisia, France, and the Netherlands. The group’s name comes from a word used by Tunisian fishermen meaning “straight ahead,” conveying a sense of forward motion. Their music draws from Tunisian folk heritage while featuring elements of jazz, blues, and Latin rhythms. With oud, guitar, flute, bass, and percussion, the ensemble creates an intimate yet expansive sound, and has performed across Tunisia, France, the UK, and the Netherlands, appearing at festivals including Manchester Folk Festival, Sicajazz, and Nazomerfestival.
Featured Songs:
“Lahbeb” (Beloved) is a reflective song, showcased on Putumayo's Desert Blues, that explores tenderness, hardship and resilience. The lyrics encourage openness and joy while acknowledging the struggles that shape daily life. “Roam and wander / Over land and sea / Searching for poetry / Hardship disappears like a dream / Nothing lasts forever / Tune your heart and set your worries aside / Forget what happened and what will come / Let your heart fill with happiness.”
Their Café Arabica track, “Esfer” is a reflective song built around images of freedom and self-discovery, using the silkworm and a bird flying against the wind as symbols of quiet resilience. “I travel in myself, my mind wanders / I travel in my mind like a bird / He thought he was flying high in the sky / He thought he was far from weakness / But when strong winds blow / It flutters low.”
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