MAÂLEM MUSTAPHA BAQBOU

Born in 1953 in Marrakech, Mustapha Baqbou grew up in a Gnaoui Zaouia, where his father—Maâlem El Ayachi Baqbou—introduced him to the art of Tagnaouite music from an early age. Mustapha Baqbou was a member of the famous group Jil Jilala and played an essential role in the folk music movement of the 1970s. On several occasions and at numerous festivals, he has demonstrated his ever-renewed talent and desire to promote the art of Gnaoua, in its most traditional dimension as well as its ability to merge with all musical genres. Maâlem Mustapha Baqbou has performed on many stages. Known for his exceptional fusions, the master has shared the stage with headliners such as Marcus Miller, Pat Metheny, Louis Bertignac, Eric Legnini and the French jazz group Sixun, and has also performed in America, Asia, and Europe. A pioneer in his field, Maâlem Mustapha Baqbou was one of the first to fuse Gnaoua with world music.