Dissidenten

Dissidenten are a Berlin-based world fusion group active since 1981. They are known for combining rock with collaborations involving Maghrebi and Indian musicians, and Rolling Stone describes them as “the Godfathers of World Beat”.

Formation and core members

The group forms in Berlin in 1980 and includes Friedo Josch, Uve Müllrich and Marlon Klein. Josch plays wind instruments and keyboards and is from Mainz; Müllrich plays bass, guitar and vocals and is from Binz; Klein plays drums, keyboards and vocals and is from Herford. The wider member list also includes Micha Ehlers, Houssaine Kili and Youmni Rabii.

Early recordings and international collaborations

The band moves to India in 1981 to record its first album, Germanistan. That record is inspired by percussionist Trilok Gurtu and is made with the Karnataka College Of Percussion and American saxophonist Charlie Mariano. In 1982 the group goes to Morocco to record Sahara Elektrik at the Sultan’s Palace in Tangier, working with the local band Lem Chaheb.

Notable releases and touring

The track “Fata Morgana” becomes a dance hit in Europe and Canada, and the group tours widely. In the mid-1980s Dissidenten move to Spain and make Life At The Pyramids, while also gaining some recognition in the USA and UK. In 1989 they return to Morocco to record Out Of This World with the Royal National Orchestra of Morocco and other leading North African musicians.

Later work

Three years after Out Of This World, the band records The Jungle Book, which weaves recordings of Indian life into dance tracks. They also perform in concerts around the world and work on a musical opera based on the River Danube.