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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'Bangoro' is a track taken from Bab L' Bluz's critically-acclaimed second album Swaken.

Ríoghnach Connolly wins RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Award

Ríoghnach Connolly of The Breath wins Best Folk Singer at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards, 2025.

Exploring Colombian artist Savan’s music inspired by Yagé medicine ceremonies

The new Real World X release is an eight-track aural journey to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

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.