Opening the festival: none other than Shabjdeed & Al Nather, the Palestinian duo spearheading the rebirth of Arab hip-hop. Raw. Political. Unfiltered. Their music fuses sharp social commentary with gritty experimental beats.

The first night doesn’t stop there. Expect the stage – and probably the floor, too – to erupt with Kabeaushé, the Kenyan visionary whose electrifying performances blend experimental pop, electronic energy and bold theatricality.

Thursday opens with a sacred dialogue between two Ukrainian voices, Heinali and Andriana‑Yaroslava Saienko present Гільдеґарда / Hildegard, a spellbinding reimagining of medieval mysticism with modular synthesis and Ukrainian folk vocals. Later, the evening shifts as Moin takes the helm creating tense, rhythm-driven soundscapes that blur the line between post-rock, post-hardcore and club music. Moin’s master percussionist Valentina Magaletti is also doing a solo show at Ljubljana Castle on Friday. Another delight of Thursday night are Ho99o9 who are bringing their unhinged blend of punk, rap, and industrial noise to the stage, tearing through boundaries with a show as ferocious as a hurricane. 

Saturday’s club night CE/MENT cements its place as an inseparable part of MENT – this time in its boldest and most diverse edition yet with Skee Mask, the Munich-based producer and DJ extraordinaire from the Ilian Tape crew, known for his boundary-pushing fusion of techno, jungle, IDM, and ambient that has made him one of the most respected figures in contemporary electronic music. The night brings the collaboration between aya x MFO who unite cutting-edge electronic experimentation with stunning live visuals, and also the sensorial onslaught from Lifecutter’s DELUGE – a dark and immersive A/V experience exploring the tension between nature, noise, and the digital void.

Ljubljana’s multiple venues will host a lineup of artists, including Rey Colino, the Belgian selector and owner of the Kalahari Oyster Cult label whose exploratory, dancefloor-ready sets span acid, prog, electro, techno and IDM; and DJ Würm, the Brussels-based multidisciplinary artist mixing chamber black metal textures, swampy rave sounds, and experimental club energy.

Local experimental ambient artist Oka presents her brand-new album Larv, an intimate diary for the future moved by water and constant change, while plus44kaligula makes her Slovenian debut – fierce, futuristic, and unforgettable.

Don’t miss the mysterious Tristwch Y Fenywod, a Welsh post-punk trio fusing haunting vocals with raw energy; Milan W., a versatile artist known for blending electronic experimentation with emotional depth; the surreal worlds of Julián Mayorga; the sevdah-dreaming Dunjaluk; and the nomadic musical horde Grunt – each carving their own niche on the musical map.

Expect screamo intensity from zbrucz, cheeky post-punk from Beaks, nostalgic indie heartache from Ida The Young, club-meets-guitar intensity from Ki Klop, pure oddball brilliance from mal pre mal, and the presentation of the new album by the noisy outfit Hexenbrutal.

Riding high on his EP, J. Ludvig III takes sound into new dimensions with technical drumming alongside emotive, melody-driven songwriting. Razor-edged post-genre producer Julek ploski will disrupt the 2026 edition, and so will local talent tachyon with his extravagant lo-fi IDM. mala roza muca & pixel.bambi are bringing their electrifying fusion of hyper folk and dark vibes, the trip-hop band Liamere is presenting their third and finest album yet, while young drummer Gaj Bostič’s new project Mrk is showcasing his own singular vision of jazz.

The MENT 2026 conference returns on February 19 and 20 at Kino Šiška and M Hotel, bringing together artists, curators, and innovators. Expect interviews, round tables, mentorships, and networking sessions.

One of the highlights is an interview with the fascinating drummer Valentina Magaletti, known for her solo work and collaborations with Moin, Nicolas Jaar, Bat for Lashes, Thurston Moore,  and numerous other experimental projects. The conversation will be moderated by Marlene Engel, music curator and dramaturg at Volksbühne Berlin, who will guide us through Magaletti’s creative world.

From the world of festivals come voices shaping the sound of summer. David Arias from Primavera Sound, Cecilie Kragesteen Eickworth of Roskilde Festival, and Filip Koštálek from Colours of Ostrava will share their perspectives on programming, discovery, and building festival identities in changing times.

Hannah TW has a rare 360° insight into the contemporary music industry. A creative consultant, commissioner, and community organiser, she has worked with artists such as Kae Tempest, Young Fathers, Robyn, Nala Sinephro, and Låpsley, led the labels Big Dada and Konichiwa Records, and continues to open doors for new voices across music, film, and photography.

From Seattle comes Darek Mazzone, a cultural producer, filmmaker, and long-time host of Wo’Pop on KEXP, where he’s championed global music for over three decades. He joins MENT for the first time, alongside booking agents Eleanor McGuinness from Earth Agency and Riccardo Biondetti, founder of Swamp Booking, both known for their adventurous artist rosters.

Berlin-based curator Michael Rosen is the founder of Digital in Berlin and the acclaimed Kiezsalon concert series – one of the city’s most respected platforms for adventurous music. His curatorial vision continues to build bridges between artists, audiences, and unconventional spaces.

Lukas Lassonczyk of Lasoundcheck Promo has been shaping the German indie landscape for years, previously working with Mute Records and Domino Recording Company. His campaigns in the last years have supported artists such as Altin Gün, Beth Gibbons, Cat Power, and Franz Ferdinand, combining deep industry experience with an independent spirit.

Prague-based Marek Mikič of Fuchs2 curates the F2 Live concert series and festival, as well as projects like UGOT with Slovak rapper Dusan Vlk. His work connects up-and-coming global talent with local communities, building scenes and relationships across the region.

Tickets / Vstopnice