Transes gnaouas

Oriented towards trance, this evening highlights the rich Gnawa musical culture through two artists: Maâlem Abdelkébir Merchane, an iconic master of this ancestral art, and Hind Ennaira, a radiant female figure of the new generation.

Born in Marrakech in 1951, Maâlem Abdelkébir Merchane is one of the great proponents of Gnawa heritage. Initiated into playing the guembri (a traditional stringed instrument) from childhood, he perpetuates both the instrumental technique and the spiritual dimension of tagnaouite. A recognised guardian of tradition, he has been transmitting the essence of this trance music for decades, a living memory of Sub-Saharan Africa and Morocco. Originally from Essaouira, self-taught, Hind Ennaira is one of the rare women to play the guembri. Also a singer, she breathes new energy into Gnawa music, giving it a feminine and inclusive dimension. Leading her group, she offers a modern radiance to this ancestral art, both in Morocco and on the international stage.

Cast

Maâlem Abdelkébir Merchane, soloist, vocals, guembri

Hind Ennaira, soloist, vocals, guembri

Ait Mamastouda Abdeljabbar, vocals, krakeb

Oujana Houmade, vocals, krakeb

Yasine Ameur, vocals, krakeb

Said Fafy, vocals, krakeb

Najib Oubelkas, vocals, krakeb