Dissidenten

The Profile

Dissidenten are a German worldbeat group formed in Berlin in 1981 by Uve Müllrich, Marlon Klein, and Friedo Josch. They are known for blending North African, Middle Eastern, and Indian elements with Western pop/rock, gaining international attention with albums such as Germanistan, Sahara Elektrik, and Life at the Pyramids.

Core members: Uve Müllrich (bass, guitar, oud, vocals), Marlon Klein (percussion, vocals), Friedo Josch (winds, keyboards). Sahara Elektrik was recorded in Tangier and released in 1984, featuring Arabic lyrics and a strong rhythmic focus; the track “Fata Morgana” became a dance hit. The album saw success in Italy, aided by a 1987 reissue on Materiali Sonori.

One review highlights Dissidenten’s Sahara Elektrik (1984), recorded in Tangier and steeped in Arabic vocals, relentless percussion, and oud textures. It frames the album as early world beat, noting the dance hit Fata Morgana and its 1987 Italian reissue on Materiali Sonori. The piece underscores the trio’s Berlin roots and cross-cultural fusion.