Hassan Hakmoun

Hassan Hakmoun and his band take the ancient Moroccan musical tradition and update it with an upfront vitality. What results is part of the story of Gnawa which began as a music that spread from West Africa, the Sudan, and the Southern Sahara through centuries of migration until it reached Morocco.

Hassan’s music is rooted in his playing of the sintir, the Moroccan three-stringed bass, and many of his songs have the Gnawa’s timeless, nomadic quality.

The gift of the Gnawa contains shamanic powers which can heal, dispel evil, and mediate in the spirit world. Through the Gnawa’s intervention, the spirits of the ancestors can return to guide, advise and give strength to the living.

Further reading

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Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali return with another deeply accomplished, moving collection of songs.

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The Almighty Groove is the new production imprint of long-time musical adventurer, John Hollis.

Track of the day: ‘IWAIWA FUNK’ by Bab L’ Bluz

French-Moroccan power quartet Bab L' Bluz, release the third track from their album Swaken.

10 years of resistance: Les Amazones d’Afrique’s fight continues on Musow Danse

Righteous anger has never felt so warm and convincing. Or so goddam danceable.