Afrovibes: Mohamed Lamqayssi - Dihya

Queen Dihya, a legendary Amazigh (Berber) figure, was the only woman in history to stand against the Umayyads, though she ultimately faced defeat. This loss marked a turning point for the Amazigh culture in North Africa, leading to the decline of the matriarchal system and the rise of the Arab-Islamic patriarchy—a system that, after 14 centuries, remains influential today. But what if Dihya had won the battle?

In this reimagined narrative, Lamqayssi opens a temporary door to an alternate reality where Dihya emerges victorious. Here, she is the architect of a new story, one where power and sacrifice lead to freedom and love. This untold history presents a glimpse into what could have been for the Amazigh people and their culture.

The performance of Dihya has been showcased at major festivals, including On Marche Festival Marrakech 2023, Journées Chorégraphiques Carthage Tunis 2023, and Kinani Festival Maputo 2023.