Carroussa Sonore

Carroussa Sonore (2012-ongoing)

Originally, the “caroussa” was an object with a specific function: to spread and sell CDs broadcasting Koranic verses in the streets. This concept stems from the intuition that sound, both oral and musical, is an interactive material that shapes the physical space. Carroussa Sonore is a curatorial and artistic project by Younes Baba Ali, where this intuition becomes awareness. Made from salvaged materials, the cart is equipped with a battery, an audio player, an amplifier, and speakers. The “carroussa” maintains its original function of sound broadcasting in public spaces but now presents a panorama of contemporary sound art, from spoken word to soundscapes, experimental music to radio art. In a society dominated by visual stimuli, Carroussa Sonore offers a different, moving, and ephemeral aesthetic experience. Each step draws, through sound, a new cartography of the city, lasting the time of listening.

The sound works selected for each city form a dynamic, evolving map of the urban environment, inviting listeners to engage with their surroundings in a fresh, ephemeral way. For each new iteration, Younes Baba-Ali invites other sound artists and musicians to participate with a sound/music piece, that he then spreads through the streets of a new location.
The project was first conceived in 2012 in Rabat (MA) and has since traveled to Brussels (BE), London (UK), Trento (IT), and Marseille (FR), adapting to each city’s specific cultural, social, and political context.

Newark/New York City (2025)

During its passage through Newark and New York City, Carroussa Sonore features a diverse selection of works from local artists alongside contributions from international artists. The sound pieces explore themes of migration, resilience, and identity, reflecting the rich cultural histories and diverse communities of these cities. As the cart moves through the streets, it offers a moment of collective reflection, encouraging listeners to reconsider how sound shapes and informs their urban experiences while fostering a deeper awareness of the spaces we inhabit.