Asmaa Hamzaoui
A nostalgic, homegrown gnawa artist.
Gnawa music goes back centuries to a time predating the Gnawa people being held as slaves in North-West Africa; their songs often revolve around storytelling that reflects upon their suffering… Today, Asmaa Hamzaoui is the foremost female ambassador of Gnawa music, and with her group Bnat Timbouktou, she has begun spreading her scintillating brand of evangelistic desert blues all across the world. In the fall of 2019, Asmaa & Bnat Timbouktou released the much-anticipated début album, Oulad Lghaba (Ajabu! Records); this seminal work focuses on the spiritual side of the Gnawa tradition. The songs pay homage to both the spirit world and life in Africa and reflect on the importance of us all living in harmony with nature and the consequences we face if we abuse our planet. These amazing female musicians deliver their contagious songs in their native Gnawa language. They break new ground not only in music, but also in regards to speaking up for equal rights; the preservation of ancient traditions; and spiritual practices in modern-day Morocco and throughout the world. Ajabu! Records Pether Lindgren: pether.ajabu@gmail.com Pedro Lima: pedro.ajabu@gmail.com
Upcoming Events
Get notified when Asmaa Hamzaoui announces a show
Be the first to know.
Venues where Asmaa Hamzaoui plays
What kind of music does Asmaa Hamzaoui play?+
Asmaa Hamzaoui plays gnawa - rooted in tradition rather than chasing trends, as distinctive visually as sonically.
What are Asmaa Hamzaoui live shows like?+
Asmaa Hamzaoui's live sets are loose and exploratory - consistent in quality but rarely identical night to night.
When is Asmaa Hamzaoui performing next?+
Asmaa Hamzaoui plays House of World Cultures in Berlin on Friday 26 June. There are 2 Asmaa Hamzaoui shows currently listed on Mood.
