MAÂLEM NAJIB OUBELKAS

Born in 1987 in Marrakech, Maâlem Najib Oubelqas was initiated into the art of Gnaoua by several major figures of the tradition including Maâlem Abdenbi Gueddari, Maâlem Rachid Btita, Maâlem Hassan Boussou, Maâlem Mohamed Kouyou, and Maâlem Abdelkebir Merchane. It was however under the tutelage of Maâlem Mustapha Baqbou that he perfected his apprenticeship, benefitting from the support of the most respected masters of his profession. With a total command of his heritage, he created his own style while remaining true to the spiritual and musical traditions of Gnaoua. His talent and commitment have taken him to many across Morocco and festivals and around the world, progressively establishing his rank among the new generation of maâlems. Authentic in his transmission, Maâlem Najib Oubelqas is clearly a key player in the Gnaoua handover, reconciling respect for ancestral codes and a vivid curiosity for world sounds.