Tmnit

While listening bars have recently gained attention in various cultural scenes, a paradox becomes visible: in these spaces, people often sit nervously, unsure of how to „properly“ listen. This observation forms the starting point of her project. She is intrigued by the fact that listening—although appearing as a cultural trend—still tends to be perceived as a passive act. Tmnit’s artistic research asks: How is listening culturally embedded? Which social, emotional, and bodily dimensions shape it? In Dimtsi („voice/sound“ in Tigrinya, her first language), she explores listening as a collective practice. Working with different frequencies, she treats listening like a muscle that can be trained—similar to exercises in a gym. Through this approach, she plays with sonic associations that resonate with the idea of collective memory and the role sound occupies within it. In this way, listening becomes not only an intimate, individual activity but also a shared exercise, shaping a space where cultural memory, embodied experience, and collective presence come together.

About the Host:
Tmnit is Eritrean, born and raised in southern Germany. She is co-founder of the Berlin label and platform ALVOZAY, founder of the new publishing house Dimtsi („sound“ in Tigrinya), and works as a DJ, curator, and cultural producer. Her sets highlight independent artists from Africa and its diasporas, blending House, Rap, Ghetto Tech, Footwork, R&B, Disco, Zouk, and more, while framing her artistic work with broader political and social themes.

photo by Eden Jetschmann