MAÂLEM ABDELKEBIR MERCHANE

Born in 1951 in Marrakech, Maâlem Abdelkébir Merchane is an iconic figure of traditional Gnaoua. Initiated at the age of 9, he has devoted himself entirely to this art under the aegis of Maâlems El Ayachi, Baqbou, and Mohamed Sam, who passed on the spiritual and musical foundations of Tagnaouite. His unique style rests on the expertise of two great Gnaoua traditions: Marsaoui of Essaouira, hypnotic and melodic, and Marrakchi, percussive and intense. Armed with this duality, he navigates between different musical sensibilities with ease, proving himself as an artist with a deep and expressive play. Through the years, Maâlem Abdelkébir Merchane has become an indispensable reference of Gnaoua, known as much for his guembri virtuosity as his stage charisma. He leads the group Oulad Sidi H’mou, guaranteeing the transmission of a secular knowledge and the continuation of Gnaoua ritual. Thanks to his performances and collaborations abroad, he promotes Gnaoua music beyond Morocco’s borders, while staying faithful to his commitment: to perpetuate this ancestral legacy through generations to come.