Busking has been part of Berlin’s cultural identity for decades and continues to shape the public space in unique ways. Whether in the U-Bahn, at busy sites such as Warschauer Brücke, or in public squares, street musicians shape the city’s soundscape and create spontaneous musical encounters in everyday life. For many artists, the street is far more than a performance venue: it is a rehearsal space, a source of income, a social environment, and sometimes the starting point of a career. It is here that musicians gain visibility, receive immediate feedback, and build communities.

The third event of the Sound Base Berlin series highlights this important, often informal aspect of Berlin’s music culture. Through the perspectives of street musicians, the evening explores the cultural, social, and economic realities of the practice, while foregrounding the people who shape the city through sound. Particular focus is placed on Ronis Goliath, whose artistic development reflects many of the experiences and dynamics within Berlin’s busking scene. Moving between public space, live performance, and a growing community, his music operates precisely at the intersection that this evening explores.

Conversation with Ronis Goliath and Mark Nowakowski
Moderated by Diona Bathily, in English
Musicologist Mark Nowakowski completed his PhD thesis on music in public spaces. He discusses the themes of his research—musical identities, performance culture, reception, and the art of survival—with Ronis Goliath, a leading figure in Berlin’s busking scene. The discussion is moderated by Diona Bathily, whose work—for FluxFM, among others—explores the intersections between politics, society, and pop culture.

Concert: Ronis Goliath   
Ronis Goliath draws directly from the stories of Berlin’s streets. The Cameroonian-born musician performed in public spaces for years—at Warschauer Brücke, for example—and gradually built up a loyal, ever-growing fanbase. It was with his song ‘Tell Me One Lie’ (2021) that he reached an even wider audience online. In the accompanying video, he reflects on his days as a street musician: lying on the Berlin asphalt and singing into the night sky. Since then, Ronis Goliath has regularly performed at larger venues, blending pop and R’n’B, and plenty of emotion and charm on stage.

DJ Set: Helina
Helina is a multimedia artist and event organizer with a background in urban dance. These experiences inform her sets, which thrive on the tension between familiar sounds and moments of surprise.