INNOV GNAWA • CHORFA

Innov Gnawa is a New York City-based Grammy-nominated music group led by Ma’alem Hassan Ben Jaafer. The title Ma’alem, meaning master, denotes Ben Jaafer’s ancestral heritage of the musical tradition, which was passed down generationally within his family in Morocco.

As the spiritual elder of the ensemble, he plays the three-stringed African bass, also known as a guembri. Ben Jaafer is accompanied by Amino Belyamani and Ahmed Jeriouda, along with a brotherhood of guest musicians, all playing the qraqeb, metal castanets whose staccato sound is said to represent the shackles and chains of slaves. 
 

 FIRST SINGLE "CHORFA"

Often referred to as “Sufi Blues,” Gnawa is rooted in Morocco’s ancient history. Over centuries, infectious rhythms and polytheistic spiritual beliefs originating from West African slaves integrated with Islam and the indigenous culture of Morocco, giving birth to a hybrid spiritual sect and musical community. The lyrics of Gnawa songs are prayers invoking saints and spirits for freedom and liberation. Like Blues music from the American south, Gnawa is revered and treasured throughout Morocco for its soulfulness.

Lila, which also means “night”, is a traditional ceremony in which the group dedicates an evening of healing through music. This all-night rhythm fest is a spiritual ritual that cleanses the body, mind, and spirit. We invite you to immerse yourself in Lila. Experience the freedom, liberation, and the power of healing through music. You’re are not alive if this music doesn’t move you.
 
The album was produced by Daptone co-founder and Gnawa enthusiast Gabriel Roth, who first heard about the ensemble after seeing them perform at a mutual friend’s event. Roth invited the group to record at the Daptone House of Soul, which resulted in a five-hour plus session and an album’s worth of material all in one take.

INNOV GNAWA
  ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM 'LILA',
OUT 30th APRIL ON DAPTONE

1. Yourmala
2. Chorfa
3. El Bouhala
4. El Kouhel
5. El Ghaba
6. Hamdouchia

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© Photo  Jacob Blickenstaff
   © Layout : Selection Sorties ...  FR 2017 • 2021   

Transmitter : Melodic Records

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