Latest news with #Gnawa
Ya Biladi
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Jazzablanca 2025 : Maalem Bekkas and Waaju bridge Morocco and the UK through Gnaoua-Jazz
مدة القراءة: 3' After a long collaboration with the London jazz ensemble Waaju, Majid Bekkas proudly marked his return home with the collective album Alouane, surrounded by his musical companions. During the 18th edition of the Jazzablanca Festival (July 3 to 12, 2025), the pioneer of African-Gnawa blues presented this vibrant musical project for the first time in Morocco. Co-created with the British group known for blending Latin polyrhythms, Malian psychedelic blues, and European arrangements, the performance on Stage 21 was warmly welcomed by an audience that has long appreciated Bekkas's unique sonic explorations, a master of traditional, classical, local, and global musical languages. Each of Bekkas's collaborations carries the spirit of discovery. In addition to being a multi-instrumentalist, the Gnawa maestro has consistently forged musical connections with artists from around the world, crafting unforgettable creations. Over the years, these artistic friendships have brought together musicians from Morocco and abroad. This particular project with Waaju holds a special place in his heart, he told Yabiladi before going on stage. «With Waaju, we first met during a festival in Poland. While talking with the members, I discovered that they already knew my repertoire, had listened to my albums, and even worked on some of my compositions!» he said. The British ensemble, whose name means «to encourage, inspire, or influence to act» in Bambara, a West African lingua franca, later proposed a collaboration with Bekkas. «Eventually, they invited me to London. We performed together at a festival, recorded a live album, and later played at the legendary Jazz Café. We've built a rich history of artistic work, and we're very happy to present it in Morocco for the first time», he recalled. Composer and drummer Ben Brown, who founded Waaju, also spoke to Yabiladi about his musical inspirations and admiration for Bekkas. «I've always loved Gnawa music. Its mix of deep spirituality and joy fascinates me as an artist. I particularly appreciate Majid's unique approach, it's more delicate and dynamic. I really admire his incredible collaborations, which have opened so many new paths for the genre», he shared before their concert. Waaju, Enchanted by Gnawa-Jazz Bekkas began studying traditional Gnawa music in the 1970s, while also receiving classical training at the conservatory. He has performed abroad since the late 1990s, collaborating with major figures such as Randy Weston, Omar Sosa, Wessell Anderson, the late Stephen McCraven, Ramon Lopez, and African greats like Aly Keïta and Bassi Kouyaté. Over the decades, he has often invited these peers to perform in Morocco, celebrating the limitless possibilities of Gnawa-jazz fusion. This universal approach, Bekkas explained, is especially meaningful when it resonates in his home country: «I've always enjoyed playing with different musicians, learning from others, and opening up to diverse cultures. This process defines who I am, it's what I'll keep doing for the rest of my life. I will always collaborate with artists from here and abroad because we all speak the same language: music. It's the most powerful way to understand each other and stay united across the world». Ben Brown, inspired by his collaboration with Bekkas, expressed his appreciation to Yabiladi: «Working with Majid has been one of the most fulfilling projects of my life. Everything came together so perfectly, beyond what I had imagined, both creatively and logistically». «We allowed ourselves to be inspired by familiar Gnawa tones, playing with different rhythmic shades to bring out new colors. In a word, Alouane was an amazing shared experience», said Brown. Despite the challenges of working across continents, he added, each moment spent on this project felt special. «It's a real honor to play with Majid Bekkas. I'm truly proud of the sound we've found together—it's something authentic and deeply personal». During this remarkable concert, the two musical worlds merged seamlessly. The audience responded to the artists' joy and generosity with matching enthusiasm. The festive magic of the music cast its spell, and Alouane came to life, bright and borderless.
Ya Biladi
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Jazzablanca 2025 : Maalem Bekkas and Waaju bridge Morocco and the UK through Gnaoua-Jazz
After a long collaboration with the London jazz ensemble Waaju, Majid Bekkas proudly marked his return home with the collective album Alouane, surrounded by his musical companions. During the 18th edition of the Jazzablanca Festival (July 3 to 12, 2025), the pioneer of African-Gnawa blues presented this vibrant musical project for the first time in Morocco. Co-created with the British group known for blending Latin polyrhythms, Malian psychedelic blues, and European arrangements, the performance on Stage 21 was warmly welcomed by an audience that has long appreciated Bekkas's unique sonic explorations, a master of traditional, classical, local, and global musical languages. Each of Bekkas's collaborations carries the spirit of discovery. In addition to being a multi-instrumentalist, the Gnawa maestro has consistently forged musical connections with artists from around the world, crafting unforgettable creations. Over the years, these artistic friendships have brought together musicians from Morocco and abroad. This particular project with Waaju holds a special place in his heart, he told Yabiladi before going on stage. «With Waaju, we first met during a festival in Poland. While talking with the members, I discovered that they already knew my repertoire, had listened to my albums, and even worked on some of my compositions!» he said. The British ensemble, whose name means «to encourage, inspire, or influence to act» in Bambara, a West African lingua franca, later proposed a collaboration with Bekkas. «Eventually, they invited me to London. We performed together at a festival, recorded a live album, and later played at the legendary Jazz Café. We've built a rich history of artistic work, and we're very happy to present it in Morocco for the first time», he recalled. Composer and drummer Ben Brown, who founded Waaju, also spoke to Yabiladi about his musical inspirations and admiration for Bekkas. «I've always loved Gnawa music. Its mix of deep spirituality and joy fascinates me as an artist. I particularly appreciate Majid's unique approach, it's more delicate and dynamic. I really admire his incredible collaborations, which have opened so many new paths for the genre», he shared before their concert. Waaju, Enchanted by Gnawa-Jazz Bekkas began studying traditional Gnawa music in the 1970s, while also receiving classical training at the conservatory. He has performed abroad since the late 1990s, collaborating with major figures such as Randy Weston, Omar Sosa, Wessell Anderson, the late Stephen McCraven, Ramon Lopez, and African greats like Aly Keïta and Bassi Kouyaté. Over the decades, he has often invited these peers to perform in Morocco, celebrating the limitless possibilities of Gnawa-jazz fusion. This universal approach, Bekkas explained, is especially meaningful when it resonates in his home country: «I've always enjoyed playing with different musicians, learning from others, and opening up to diverse cultures. This process defines who I am, it's what I'll keep doing for the rest of my life. I will always collaborate with artists from here and abroad because we all speak the same language: music. It's the most powerful way to understand each other and stay united across the world». Ben Brown, inspired by his collaboration with Bekkas, expressed his appreciation to Yabiladi: «Working with Majid has been one of the most fulfilling projects of my life. Everything came together so perfectly, beyond what I had imagined, both creatively and logistically». «We allowed ourselves to be inspired by familiar Gnawa tones, playing with different rhythmic shades to bring out new colors. In a word, Alouane was an amazing shared experience», said Brown. Despite the challenges of working across continents, he added, each moment spent on this project felt special. «It's a real honor to play with Majid Bekkas. I'm truly proud of the sound we've found together—it's something authentic and deeply personal». During this remarkable concert, the two musical worlds merged seamlessly. The audience responded to the artists' joy and generosity with matching enthusiasm. The festive magic of the music cast its spell, and Alouane came to life, bright and borderless.
Morocco World
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Essaouira Comes Alive on Day 3 of Gnaoua Festival
Marrakech – The third day of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira brought a wave of unfiltered energy to the city's medina, beaches, and stages. From traditional trance to experimental fusion, the lineup delivered an immersive experience that had the audience dancing late into the night. Saturday's program featured an impressive selection of artists: Maâlem Mohamed Boumezzough, Aly Keïta, Anas Chlih, Tao Ehrlich, Martin Guerpin, Quentin Ghomari, Hajar Alaoui, Cimafunk, Khalid Sansi, Hind Ennaira, and Omar Hayat. Each brought their own flair to the stage, mixing Gnawa rhythms with funk, jazz, and global soul. The atmosphere was electric as artists from different continents came together in celebration of music, rhythm, and resistance. Among the many acts that stood out were The Leila and the Nishtiman Project, two artists who captivated both hearts and headlines this year. The Leila is a bold Moroccan performer known for fusing reggada and rock with poetry, feminism, and social commentary. Her performance was as raw as it was refined, evoking both nostalgia and rebellion. Tattoos inspired by Amazigh symbols, unapologetic lyrics, and a commanding presence made her one of the most talked-about performers of the day. The Nishtiman Project, a Kurdish musical collective, transported the crowd through time and across borders. Founded by Saïd Assadi, the group blends traditional Kurdish instruments like the daf, duduk, and tanbur with innovative arrangements that speak to themes of homeland, displacement, and unity. Their music isn't just performance — it's a political and emotional journey. Tags: Gnaoua Festival 2025
Forbes
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Tremor 2025: The Ultimate Insider Music Festival
Asmâa Hamzaoui and Bnat Timbouktou, Tremor Festival 2025 Paul Allen/Andfotography2 Taking place every April on the Azores island of São Miguel, Tremor, a five-day experimental music festival, is an extraordinary, magical event, full of surprises. Situated in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are an autonomous Portuguese archipelago located about 1,400 kilometers from Lisbon and nearly 1,900 kilometers from North America. These isolated, volcanic islands, spread across the ocean, provide a breathtaking and secluded backdrop for an unforgettable musical experience. Why the Eye, Tremor Festival 2025 Paul Allen/Andfotography2 April 2025 was the eleventh year of a festival that features a range of music by Portuguese and international artists, in wonderful indoor settings and spectacular outdoor venues. Each gig is around 45 minutes long and some overlap in different locations so choices have to be made. But that's part of the fun and adds to the sense of discovery and adventure. And another feature of the clever programming that makes this festival really special are hikes in gorgeous natural settings that involve performances en route and daily 'secret gigs' in surprising locations. Audiences don't know where the gigs are until two hours beforehand and the actual gigs are a complete surprise as well. These mysterious gigs are just one reason this festival always sells out months in advance. Fulu Miziki at Tremor 2025 Paul Allen/Andfotography2 Tickets for Tremor 2026 have just been released (booking details below). While the festival has expanded considerably since the first one-day event with 300 tickets sold, current festival ticket sales remain capped at 2,000 attendees. This is a deliberate choice of the four festival directors as they are keen to keep the festival intimate and also to not overwhelm the island's infrastructure and local population. Joseph Keckler at Tremor 2025 Paul Allen/Andfotography2 Among the many highlights this year were gigs featuring women musicians, including a Moroccan band in a botanical garden with hot springs, a Portuguese female guitar virtuoso and a flute solo by a very young member of a youth orchestra, mentored by a famous French jazz saxophonist. There were many more wonderful moments in a festival that fuses sounds and artistic expressions from across the globe, coming together in one of the most stunning and secluded places on Earth. Perhaps the most magical moment of Tremor 2025 was during a walk through a beautiful wood when we encountered Asmâa Hamzaoui and her group Bnat Timbouktou seated beside a tree, performing Gnawa spiritual songs. The group brings a refreshing energy to this ancient art form originating from Morocco. Though women are essential to Gnawa rituals, there have been very few female Gnawa musicians, something Asmâa Hamzaoui aims to change. The guembri, a lute played in a percussive style, the rhythmic percussion of qraqeb (iron castanets) and Asmâa Hamzaoui's expressive voice created a mesmerising soundscape that floated around the idyllic outdoor setting. The Zenmenn, Tremor Festival 2025 Paul Allen/Andfotography2 Held in the mountainous, serene surroundings of the Reserva Florestal, a protected forest area in the hills of the Azores, this intimate show's unconventional location added an air of mystique and exclusivity to the event. A forest trail opened up to a large field with a small stage in the center. Using a synthesizer and blending the old with the new, the organic with the electric, and the harmonic with the rhythmic, the trio created a chilled mix of both traditional Western and Eastern sounds. The Swedish experimental supergroup Fire came together in 2009, led by a core trio of saxophonist Mats Gustafsson, bassist Johan Berthling and drummer Andreas Werliin. Merging elements of free jazz, psychedelic rock, and noise, the group creates a distinctive and adventurous sound. Known for their fearless improvisation and genre-defying performances, the trio's performance in a hall, on the grounds of a former convent, was a 45-minute, intense, non-stop wall of sound. Gustafsson's explosive saxophone lines, Berthling's deep, rhythmic bass and Werliin's commanding percussion blew the crowd away. One of the most fantastical (and entertaining) concerts of the festival was from Why the Eye, a Belgian experimental masked quartet playing on DIY instruments at a remote lakeside location. The group describes their music as "Prehistoric Techno" probably because they perform with homemade instruments and laptops while wearing bizarre furry masks. Their noisy and experimental sound ecouraged listeners to join the lead singer in a wild, energetic dance. Another thrilling surprise for festival goers was Joseph Keckler who, using a laptop, piano and a projector, gave one of the most electrifying performances at Tremor. Celebrated for his operatic vocals and dark humor, the American artist took to the stage where he transformed mundane tales into surreal, poignant experiences. It's no surprise he's received rave reviews including from The New York Times who described him as a "major talent who shatters conventional boundaries." Mr Keckler's theatrical performance included haunting ballads, mesmerising storytelling, eerie grooves and comic autobiographical arias on sex with a ghost and buying too much vinyl clothing. Ranging from baritone to falsetto, Keckler captivated the audience with his powerful voice and unique artistry. The main concert venue at Tremor is on the seafront in a cavernous warehouse space, ideal for the exuberant Afrofuturist Congolese group, Fulu Miziki (music from garbage in Lingala). And in fact, the music ensemble make all their own instruments, costumes and masks from recycled materials. Their music combines raw, percussive energy with elements of traditional Congolese rhythms, noise and avant-garde experimentation. Each performance is a visual spectacle, with members wearing elaborate costumes inspired by African culture and futuristic visions. Their upcycled instruments — fashioned from items like PVC pipes, discarded metal, and plastic — created a distinct, infectious sound that had the entire crowd joyously dancing. In a fishing village once described as the poorest in Portugal traditional Azorean music met contemporary rap. Filmmaker Diogo Lima became DJ Gaivota for the evening. Also on stage was the crew that Resident Advisor dubbed the "Azorean DJ collective Convidados." And on the docks, Som Sim Zero, a group made up of deaf performers and art collective Ondamarela, regaled the crowd with choral singing, psychedelica, traditional songs and spoken word. Their energy was contagious and you didn't have to understand Portuguese to revel in the joyful experience. Eugénia, Auditório Luís de Camões, Tremor Festival 2025 Vera Marmelo Eugénia Contente, a guitarist from Ponta Delgada, wove her Azorean roots with jazz-fusion in a dynamic performance. Born in 1992 in Ponta Delgada, Ms Contente discovered her passion for the guitar at the age of nine and honed her skills at the famous Lisbon jazz venue, Hot Clube de Portugal. Her trio played from her debut album, Duckontente. to an adoring crowd. Fidju Kitxora, Portas do Ma Vera Marmelo The main Tremor dockside hub hosted an artist who divides his time between Lisbon and Cape Verde. Blending field recordings, atmospheric synthesisers, and vocal samples, Fidju Kitxora created a distinctive, memorable soundscape. In a lively collaboration with French saxophonist, Guillaume Perret, the Rabo de Peixe Music School performed a winning combination of jazz, electronic music, rock and funk to an appreciative crowd. A surprise was a beautiful solo by young flautist, Maia. And treating the audience to his own solo at the end, Guillaume Perret showed off his creative use of pedals and effects to expand the saxophone's sonic capabilities. Oko Ebombo at Tremor Festival 2025 Paul Allen/Andfotography2 Parisian multidisciplinary artist Oko Ebombo mixes poetry, hip hop, soul and dance, inspired by his own life and urban experiences. His charismatic movements, combined with hip hop and soul, greatly appealed to an admiring audience at the dockside main venue. Portuguese-born, Cape Verde based Ari experiments with beatbox and percussion. He was accompanied by dynamic French dancer Débora N'Jiokou who specialises in hip hop and house. Tremor was the first time they'd performed together and what a gorgeous, captivating debut it was. Azores Sao Miguel, Miradouro da Vista do Rei, Sete Cidades,, aerial drone view getty São Miguel is a two-hour flight from Lisbon and Oporto and a six-hour flight from Boston or New York. TAP Air Portugal offers daily flights from London Heathrow and London Gatwick to Ponta Delgada, via Lisbon. An optional free stopover in Lisbon on the way there or back is a great way to extend your trip and see more of Portugal. If traveling from North America, TAP flies from Boston, Chicago, Miami, Montreal, New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Washington to the Azores, via Lisbon and offers the same free stopovers. Tremor 2026 will run 24–28 March. Ticket sales, are to be released in tiers at different prices as follows: From Friday, 18 April 2025, the first 400 tickets were released at the €80 early bird rate. Once those are gone, the next 400 tickets will be priced at €90. All remaining tickets will be available at the standard price of €100.
Morocco World
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Why Layali El Bahja at Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi is a Must-See This Ramadan
Marrakech – It's that time of the year again when the magic of Ramadan fills the air with a special kind of energy — one that's both reflective and celebratory, peaceful and joyful. And this year, at Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech, they're turning up the volume on this spiritual atmosphere with the second edition of Layali El Bahja. The name? It means 'nights of happiness,' and, trust me, this hotel delivers exactly that. Every evening feels like a grand celebration — a dance of culture, food, and community where the spirit of Morocco wraps itself around you like the warm desert breeze. Last year, the hotel's immersive Ramadan experience, available throughout the month, was a hit. This year, they've taken it up a notch, promising even more joy, wonder, and magic. The hotel itself becomes the stage for a story that unfolds through every corner, each one telling a different chapter of how they celebrate the holy month. And you, my friend, are part of it. From the moment you step into the room, it's like you've crossed into another world. Lanterns dangle above, casting a warm glow, while rich fabrics drape over every surface, making you feel like you're walking through a page in an ancient Moroccan tale. It's a place where you're not just checking in — you're being invited to join a journey. And that journey starts with a single question: What's the next story going to be? A feasts that transport you Now let's talk about Le Saray restaurant's ftour buffet — the heart of this celebration. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to dine in a legendary caïdal tent, well, this is it. This fast-breaking experience is nothing short of magical — tables brimming with the flavors of Morocco, from the most tender lamb tagines to flaky pastries that melt in your mouth, with a little modern twist to keep your taste buds guessing. It's not just food; it's an adventure, taking you on a journey through Morocco's rich culinary landscape. And let's be real, every bite is a story. One moment, you're at the coast, tasting the freshest seafood; the next, you're nestled in the mountains, savoring a dish full of spices that transport you straight to the Atlas. It's a feast, but also a taste of Morocco's soul. As you wander through the hotel, it's like stepping into a souk — but with a twist. The sounds of Gnawa music fill the air, while master calligraphers work their magic before your eyes, making ancient art look effortlessly cool. You can almost hear the hustle of the Marrakech markets in the background as you move from one experience to the next. It's intimate, it's enchanting, and it's a perfect blend of old and new. You're not just witnessing the traditions — you're living them. You're part of the rhythm and the magic. Entertainment galore One of the best parts of Layali El Bahja is the artistic programming. It's not your typical hotel entertainment — it's an immersion in Morocco's deep, rich culture. From Andalusian music that takes you back in time to gnawa rhythms that have you feeling like you're in the heart of the city, every performance is a way to connect with the spirit of Morocco. It's an evening out, but one with meaning, with purpose, and with heart. Each performance is a brushstroke in a much bigger painting, telling the story of the culture and the people who call this place home. It's not just for the eyes or the ears — it's for the heart. Layali El Bahja will feel like home So why should you care about all of this? Because, just like its name suggests, Layali El Bahja is all about happiness. And it's not the kind of happiness that comes and goes; it's the kind that lingers, the kind that feels like home. The kind of joy you feel when you're surrounded by good food, great company, and even better music. Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi offers not only a place to stay, but to belong, to celebrate, and to create memories that last well beyond Ramadan. Each night you spend here is more than just a meal or a performance — it's an experience. It's a chance to connect with Morocco in a way that's intimate, personal, and unforgettable. Every corner of this hotel tells a new story, one where the joy of Ramadan is felt deeply, in every laugh, every shared plate of food, and every note of music that fills the air. If you're ready to lock in your spot, visit their website and gear up for a Ramadan experience you don't want to miss. Tags: CelebrationHotelJoyMarrakechramadan
