Born in 1951 in Marrakech, Abdelkebir Merchane did not at first seem destined to enter the world of Gnaoua. For his mother, who had undergone eleven miscarriages, he was her miracle child. She entrusted him to the care of a black nanny, who took him with her to lilas. By the age of 9, the Tagnaouite held no secrets for him, thanks to Maâlems El Ayachi, Baqbou, and Mohamed Sam, who initiated him according to tradition. His preferred styles: marsaoui (Essaouira) and marrakchi (Marrakech). He has participated in many international festivals across Europe, the Arab world, and Japan. He currently leads the Oulad Sidi H’mou group.