Mystical, trance-inducing gnawa, the desert blues from the Sahara, by celebrated Afro-Moroccan singer/lute player Majid Bekkas. ‘Magician of the gnawa, fascinating and exhilarating’ (MixedWorldMusic.com).

Singer Majid Bekkas is a celebrity in his homeland Morocco and a born improviser. He accompanies himself on guitar and related traditional instruments such as ud and guembri. Like no other he plays the gnawa, the mystical and trance-inducing desert blues from the Sahara that has strong resemblances to both African and Afro-American styles. Especially the music of Mali is a reference point for Bekkas, who refers to himself as an Afro-Moroccan musician.

Because of his strong links to European jazz and improvised music, Majid Bekkas has collaborated with renowned musicians including Archie Shepp, Louis Sclavis and Flavio Boltro. Particularly successful was his collaboration with pianist Joachim Kühn, which landed him performances on the best known jazz and world music festivals, in his Afro-Oriental Jazz Trio he performs with reeds player Manuel Hermia and percussionist Khalid Kouhen.

The Bimhuis restaurant is open prior to the concert from 6.30 till 8.30PM (reservations via 020-7882158). After the concert, the Bimhuis Café is open (free entrance).

Majid Bekkas oud/guembri/zang, Manul Hermia bansouri/sopraansax/klarinet, Khalid Kouhen tablas/pandeiro/percussie