Manou Gallo, Y.O.P.E. and Joëlle Léandre added to the BassFest ’25 lineup
BassFest ’25 expands its program with three outstanding new names: Ivorian funk powerhouse Manou Gallo with her Orchestra, the boundary-pushing jazztronica project Y.O.P.E., and the French giant of free improvisation Joëlle Léandre.
Funky grooves with global roots
Manou Gallo is one of the most charismatic and influential bassists to emerge from Africa. Born and raised in Côte d’Ivoire, she first gained international recognition as part of Zap Mama and went on to work with legends such as Manu Dibango and Bootsy Collins. Her playing fuses traditional African grooves with funk and pop – energetic, danceable, and deeply rooted in tradition. With her Orchestra, she delivers an irresistible show full of groove and celebration.
Jazzy electronics with Y.O.P.E.
Y.O.P.E. represents a new wave of artists who blur the lines between jazz and electronic music. Their sound is a mix of beats, soundscapes, and improvisation: intimate yet danceable, hypnotic and surprising lead by bassist Joop de Graaf (known from Brintex Collective). At BassFest, they will take the audience on a sonic journey where the bass takes the spotlight.
An icon of free music
Joëlle Léandre is a living legend in the world of free improvisation. The French double bassist has worked with nearly every major figure of the avant-garde – from John Cage and Merce Cunningham to Anthony Braxton and Derek Bailey – and has released hundreds of recordings. Known for her uncompromising style, vast expressivity, and ability to open new musical worlds in every performance, Léandre’s appearance at BassFest will be a landmark moment for lovers of adventurous music.
BassFest ’25: a unique melting pot
These three new names join an already stellar lineup including Victor Wooten, Vincen Garcia, Xavier Foley, Mohini Dey, Dave Holland, and Mehdi Nassouli with Marmoucha Orchestra. On 8 & 9 November 2025 at Theater Zuidplein, Rotterdam, BassFest will once again become the ultimate celebration of the low end – from funk to classical, jazz to global, electronic experiments to free improvisation.
