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Performer

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Vocal

 

Said Hakmoun is a Moroccan musician who has gained international recognition for his unique blend of traditional Gnawa music with contemporary styles. Born in 1964 in Marrakech, Morocco, Hakmoun grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. His father was a master musician and teacher of Gnawa music, a traditional style that originated in West Africa and is characterized by its use of the guembri, a three-stringed bass instrument, and the krakebs, metal castanets. Hakmoun began playing the guembri at the age of four and was soon performing with his father and other musicians in local ceremonies and festivals. He also learned to play the oud, a stringed instrument similar to a lute, and the violin. As a teenager, Hakmoun began to experiment with blending Gnawa music with other styles, such as jazz and rock, and started to develop his own unique sound. In 1987, Hakmoun moved to New York City to pursue his music career and quickly gained a following in the city's world music scene. He formed his own band, the Gnawa Trance Fusion, and began performing at clubs and festivals around the country. In 1991, he released his first album, "Trance," which was well-received by critics and helped to establish him as a rising star in the world music scene. Over the next few years, Hakmoun continued to tour and record, collaborating with a wide range of musicians from different genres and cultures. He performed with jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis, rock guitarist Marc Ribot, and Indian classical musician Zakir Hussain, among others. In 1995, he released his second album, "Gift of the Gnawa," which featured guest appearances by jazz pianist Herbie Hancock and blues guitarist Taj Mahal. Hakmoun's music has been praised for its hypnotic rhythms, intricate melodies, and spiritual depth. He draws on the rich traditions of Gnawa music, which is rooted in Sufi mysticism and is often used in healing ceremonies and rituals. At the same time, he incorporates elements of jazz, rock, and other styles to create a sound that is both traditional and modern. In addition to his music career, Hakmoun has also been involved in promoting cultural exchange and education. He has taught workshops and master classes on Gnawa music and culture at universities and cultural centers around the world. He has also worked with organizations such as the United Nations and the World Music Institute to promote cross-cultural understanding and dialogue. Hakmoun's music has earned him numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1993, he was named Best World Music Artist by the New York Music Awards. He has also been nominated for a Grammy Award and has won several other international music awards. In 2010, he was awarded the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts, which recognizes outstanding contributions to traditional arts in the United States. Today, Hakmoun continues to tour and record, bringing his unique blend of Gnawa music and contemporary styles to audiences around the world. He remains committed to preserving and promoting the rich traditions of Gnawa music, while also exploring new directions and collaborations. His music is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the enduring appeal of traditional music in a rapidly changing world.

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