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

Donso-electro duo Siraba release new two-track single on Real World X

Siraba is a collaboration between donso ngoni player Boubacar Samake and producer Damien Vandesande.

‘I’m always happy on stage!’ Mari Kalkun releases live album featuring Estonian National Male Choir

The new version of the album marks an important milestone.

Track of the day: ‘Too Many Have Gone’ by The Breath

The Breath reveal their first new music since the release of their third album, Land of My Other. A...

Real World Sessions: Owen Spafford & Louis Campbell, 5 December 2023

New folk duo Owen Spafford & Louis Campbell visited the studio to record a new EP for Real World X.