A long-time presence at the Festival, Maâlem Seddik Laarch is a key figure in the Gnaoua sphere. Thanks to his strong stage presence and his mastery of both vocal and instrumental performance, he is among the most appreciated Maâlems of the “City of Winds” and stands as one of the finest representatives of the Essaouira school. A complete artist, he excels both in performance and in the crafting of guembris, driven by a deep passion for the art of Tagnaouite and its instruments. Based abroad, Maâlem Seddik Laarch has distinguished himself on the stage of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival of Essaouira since its early editions. His performance in 2003 left a lasting impression on audiences. After numerous performances in Morocco and internationally, he recorded and released his first album in France in 2003. Since then, he has continued to take part in many events both in Morocco and abroad, pursuing a path faithful to the spirit of the Gnaoua tradition.