KLAENG Festival 2025

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Boundaries blur and genres collide - the 16th edition of the international KLAENG Festival presents the "now" in contemporary music on November 29 & 30 in Cologne's Stadtgarten.

Saturday, 29.11.2025
Maddie Ashman
Maddie Ashman is one of the most exciting newcomers on the avant-garde pop scene: a visionary composer who transforms microtonal music into hypnotic, accessible soundscapes. Her EP Otherworld topped the Bandcamp folk charts, generated millions of streams and brought her over 100,000 new fans, including Anthony Fantano and Jacob Collier. From sold-out shows in Istanbul to the acclaimed premiere of Painting with Glass with GOKUMI and international festival appearances, Maddie pushes boundaries between avant-garde, pop and installation. With her audiovisual vision, most recently presented at COP-27 and the Aldeburgh Festival, she is considered a must-hear artist who is rethinking the future of pop.

Lanaya feat. Rama Ngoni
Seven musicians from Burkina Faso draw on the rich heritage of the Manding people. Powerful rhythms, songs and dances from Bobo, Bissa and Siamou merge with modern elements to create a unique sound. Traditional instruments such as djembe, doun, talking drum, calabash and n'goni meet new arrangements that breathe new life into ancient folk tunes - sometimes quiet, sometimes furious, always full of energy. With indescribable dedication and an original stage presence, the formation delights its audience. Founded by Abdoul Aziz Sinka, LANAYA combines West African roots with contemporary influences and has had a lasting impact on the multicultural music scene ever since.

Trixie Whitley
Twelve years after its release, Trixie Whitley brings her celebrated debut album "Fourth Corner" back to the stage. With songs such as "Pieces" and "Breathe You In My Dreams", she set artistic standards early on. The Belgian-American musician, who has worked with Daniel Lanois, Robert Plant and Kid Koala, moves confidently between soul, electronica and blues - always carried by an unmistakable emotional depth. In Amsterdam, she will present the album live for the first time in full length with a complete band. At the same time, Whitley opens a new chapter with her fifth studio album Folding Time: intimate reflections on motherhood, loss and self-determination, characterized by her uncompromising authenticity.

The program of the second festival day (Sunday, 30.11.2025) can be found here.