Bouhssine Foulane: Ribab player
Nor Eddine Bahha : Keyboard
Oussama Chtouki: Bass
Oussama Mougar: Drums
“Bekkas is one of the most exciting stars of gnaoua and it’s easy to understand why…”
– Jazz Journal
Nicknamed “the bluesman of Morocco,” Majid Bekkas, the internationally acclaimed gnaoua master, fluidly moves between traditional North African music and the modern blues. Bridging the cultures of North Africa and the West, Bekkas mixes musical genres to create “Gnaoua blues”.
While the Blues needs no introduction, Gnaoua music is less well known in the U.S. Combining elements of African traditions, gnaoua music is a celebration of life, with gnaoua musicians known as ‘musical doctors’ or those who heal the soul. Concentrated mainly in Morocco and Algeria, this show offers a rare opportunity to witness the music live in Los Angeles.
Majid Bekkas was born and still lives in Salé near Rabat (Morocco). His roots are firmly planted in North African musical traditions, and he is also an accomplished blues and jazz musician. He masters and fluidly moves between genres and musical traditions, captivating and entrancing audiences from the stage.
Bekkas has performed at festivals around the world as soloist, in trio formations and in other world music projects. In 2010, Bekkas was awarded the Al Farabi Prize by the Comité National de la Musique in Morocco for his contribution to Moroccan music. In 2015, he received the award of the Académie Charles-Cros in France for his album Al Qantara, and in February 2020, his album Magic Spirit Quartet was selected by Downbeat magazine as 'Editor's Choice'.
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