Göteborgs Konserthus Spiritual Sounds from Morocco

When Majid Bekkas takes the stage, Moroccan tradition meets the deeply emotional expression of the blues. He is one of North Africa’s most luminous musical voices and a master of the guembri – the three-string instrument with a vibrating sound.

Gnawa music has origins in the African diaspora and spiritual ceremonies. It carries stories of loss, forgiveness and survival – themes that are also at the heart of the blues. Majid Bekkas ties these worlds together through improvisation, groove and a voice that moves freely between song, prayer and storytelling.

Majid Bekkas’ international breakthrough came with Daymallah, the opening track to the popular, award-winning compilation album Desert Blues 2 (2001).

Alongside his fellow musicians, he creates an evocative sound in which the call and response, recurring riffs and free solos of the blues are woven together with North African rhythms and melodies. The music slowly builds up in intensity, inspiring deep listening and – if you are open to it – a trance-like state.