MAÂLEM MOHAMED BOUMEZZOUGH

Immersed in the Gnaoui world from the age of 12, Maâlem Mohamed Boumezzough discovered this music during the first edition of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival of Essaouira in 1998. Fascinated by its heritage, he embarked upon an initiatory journey, mastering qraqeb and dance as well as the deepest rituals of the brotherhood.

At 17, he performed alongside master maâlems such as Maâlem Abdellah Gania, as well as other major figures of the Guinea, Soudani, and Baqbou family. He joined Tyour Gnaoua, led by Maâlem Abdeslam Alikkane, before expanding his horizons abroad with the Band of Gnawa in France. Winner of the Festival des Jeunes Talents d’Essaouira, he was awarded 1st prize, launching a promising career that will lead him to numerous festivals in Morocco or in Europe.

Mohamed Boumezzough has established himself as one of the guarantors for the Gnaoui Souiri succession, perpetuating with passion and talent the legacy of this spiritual music and raising awareness around the world.