MAÂLEM OMAR HAYAT

Known for his stage charisma and his guembri virtuosity, Maâlem Omar Hayat is an artist who perfectly combines Gnaoua heritage and modernity. Initiated to this art by the legendary Mahmoud Gania, he founded his own group in 1991, asserting quickly a singular musical identity.

Even if he stays deeply grounded in the Gnaoua tradition, Maâlem Omar Hayat doesn’t hesitate to explore other worlds. In 2011, he collaborated with the hiphop group La Halla KingZoo in Essaouira, then in 2016, he performed with DJ Rupture at the famous Frost Festival in Copenhagen. Accustomed to great stages, he captivates the public every year at the Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira, especially during unforgettable collaborations: in 2008 with the trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf, in 2009 with the pianist Meddy Gerville, and in 2015 with the Mikkel Nordso Band.

Combining respect for tradition with musical audacity, Maâlem Omar Hayat is an outstanding figure of the Gnaoua renewal, proving himself through constant creativity and a striking stage energy.