YAAM – Young African Arts Market

Art and culture from Africa, the Caribbean and Berlin: YAAM has created a world of its own at Schillingbrücke in Friedrichshain. From street art and food markets to lively clubbing, it offers everything a Berliner could desire. The Young African Arts Market is an independent social project that has been combining multiculturalism, urban lifestyle and nightlife for over thirty years .

A cultural oasis on the banks of the Spree

Multiculturalism sets the tone at the Young African Arts Market (YAAM). Artists from all corners of the globe and from all disciplines perform on the 8,000 m² site on the banks of the Spree. Even away from the music scene, diversity is the order of the day here: YAAM is sometimes a food market with African and Caribbean specialities, sometimes a sports stadium, sometimes a street art gallery, sometimes a children's face painting salon, and always a place of solidarity and togetherness.

Musical microcosm at the Schillingbrücke

Music is the heart of YAAM. Since its founding in 1994, the socio-cultural project has seen itself as a stage for global sounds – a home for reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, Afrobeat and soul. Over the years, international stars such as Gentleman, Damian Marley, Erykah Badu and Seeed have performed in YAAM's legendary indoor clubs. And, of course, just as many young artists from Berlin, Africa and the Caribbean.

Our tips

• YAAM combines club culture with a beach bar atmosphere right on the banks of the Spree, so the dress code here is rather summery and relaxed.
• The project combines music with art, street food, markets, sports and workshops. You can explore the grounds before the club night at the regular flea markets with DJ music.
• Far removed from mainstream electronic music, YAAM's music programme is perfect for anyone who wants to explore international soundscapes.

Your visit to YAAM

YAAM is centrally located at Friedrichshain's Schillingbrücke and directly on the banks of the Spree between Ostbahnhof and Jannowitzbrücke (S-Bahn and U8). Both stations are only a few minutes' walk away. Around the grounds, you will find street food stalls, street art and views of the Spree. In the immediate vicinity, the East Side Gallery and the creative Holzmarkt 25 area are well worth a visit.