Szabolcs Bognar, better known as Àbáse, is a Berlin-based producer and multi-instrumentalist who is playing at this year’s XJAZZ open air festival.

A classically trained jazz pianist, Àbáse combines jazzy elements with West African, Brazilian and other influences to create a fresh, new sound.Ahead of his performance this weekend, we caught up with the 29-year-old over Zoom about his appreciation for Yoruba culture and growing up in post-socialist Budapest.

Produced by Benjamin Restle