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, Journ��es Chorégraphiques Carthage Tunis 2023, and Kinani Festival Maputo 2023.