MAÂLEM KHALID SANSI

Rooted in the Gnaoua tradition while being resolutely focused on fusion and contemporary dance, Maâlem Khalid Sansi embodies a new generation of Gnaouis. Born in Casablanca, he was precocious, following in the footsteps of his father, Hassan Sansi, AKA Moussandaw, one of the greatest Gnaoua moqaddem. In 2006, he joined the 2Kfar company, developing various dance projects inspired by his Gnaoua heritage. He then multiplied collaborations with renowned artists such as Karim Ziad, the late Abdellatif Zine, Khalid Benghrib, Jacques Schwartz-Bart, Ross Stone, Oum, Lhiba Kingzoo, and Mone Ekang, demonstrating his musical openness. In 2010, his talent was recognised when Maâlem Hassan Boussou presented him with a guembri onstage, in recognition of his mastery of the Tagnaouite.

In 2014, he launched the project “Imbuktu” with Malian singer Malik Iop, reuniting Moroccan and African talents on a tour that would perform at the Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira. This year, he pursues his exploration of sound crossovers by associating with Cuban Jazz Band El Comité for an exclusive residence, mixing Gnaoua, jazz and Afro-Cuban sounds. A true transmitter of traditions and musical explorer, Maâlem Khalid Sansi continues to redefine the shape of Gnaoua, bringing it into conversation with world rhythms.