MAÂLEM ISMAIL RAHIL

Born in Casablanca in 1980, Ismail Rahil grew up in an Issawa and Gnaoua zaouïa, where his father, Moqaddem Haj Mustapha Rahil, introduced him to the art of trance from an early age. At the age of 14, he joined several local traditional music groups before turning to the mastery of the guembri, the central instrument of Gnaoua tradition. He began his journey as a disciple of the late great Maâlem Hmida Boussou, then joined the troupe of Maâlem Abdennabi El Gadari. He continued his training there until becoming a Maâlem himself and founding his own group, “Oulad Bambra.” Since then, Ismail Rahil has toured extensively around the world. He notably performed for a full year at Epcot in Disneyland, delivering over 300 performances and setting a remarkable record. He also recorded his first album, “Aicha,” which has been widely appreciated by world music audiences.