HABIBI HAFLA

Habibi Hafla, curated and produced by MzRizk, is a celebration of Arabic culture, showcasing the vibrant music, arts, and traditions of the SWANA region. Live performances including traditional dancers, and DJs take traditional Arabic celebrations from private events to the public. Haflas have taken place at Section8 and The Toff in Melbourne as well as at iconic venue KED in Beirut, Lebanon.

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MzRizk aims to provide a platform for people of all backgrounds to experience, and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world. Habibi Hafla has collaborated with Mähallä, and Kerfew to present Habibi Funk, and Nabihah Iqbal at The Toff and presented Souk El Rengârenk with Mähallä for Leaps and Bounds Festival and The Eighty-Six Super Saturday event Mishwar al 86 in 2023.

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Habibi Hafla continues to run events around Melbourne including Sroud 3a Broud at Runner Up Rooftop, Habibi at Section8, Alf Layla Wa Layla and Analogue Catalogue at Capers, and El Mazzika Club at The Retreat.

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In 2024, Habibi Hafla flipped the script at Brunswick Music Festival, taking over the iconic A1 Bakery for its first-ever public live music event. The family-run Lebanese spot became a makeshift dance floor, pulsing with live music, DJ sets, and a belly dance performance. It was an afternoon where the smell of fresh mana’eesh mingled with the sound of the oud!

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The energy carried forward when Habibi Hafla were invited back to curate Golden Threads—a free day party in Fleming Park. The lineup leaned into SWANA sounds, and local heat. With food trucks by A1 and Chef Aheda, market stalls presented by Welcome Merchant, and a SOOF Embroidery pop-up, the park transformed into a cultural souk—alive with rhythm, connection, and community.

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Habibi Hafla continues to carve out space for diasporic joy and sonic exploration in Naarm—one dancefloor at a time.

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The inclusive nature of Habibi Hafla means that everyone is welcome to participate and engage with the culture, fostering a sense of community and cross-cultural understanding.