MAÂLEM ABDELMALEK KADIRI

Originally from Essaouira, the cradle of Gnaoua and a true crossroads of spiritual traditions, Abdelmalek El Kadiri grew up in an environment deeply rooted in Sufi heritage. Born into a family connected to the brotherhood founded in the 11th century by Sheikh Moulay Abd Al Qadir Al-Jilani, he was immersed from an early age in a world where music and ritual are inseparable. He began his artistic career in 2000 at the age of 15 and trained under several great masters, including Maâlem Abdellah Gania, Maâlem Abderrahman Paco and Al-Charif Regragui. This rigorous training, both spiritual and musical, shaped a sensitive artist, deeply connected to his roots and fully engaged on stage. In 2007, he won the first Festival of Young Gnaoua Talents, a distinction that established him as one of the most promising young Maâlems of his generation. Since then, Abdelmalek El Kadiri has performed on numerous stages, both in Morocco and internationally, notably in Germany, Spain, France, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom