JUNE 27-29, 2024
ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO

FRI 28 JUNE
Borj Bab Marrakech

MAÂLMA ASMAA HAMZAOUI & BNAT TIMBOUKTOU

Artist

BIOGRAPHY

MAÂLMA ASMAA HAMZAOUI & BNAT TIMBOUKTOU

Asmaa Hamzaoui has demonstrated courage, audacity and perseverance in the exclusively masculine world of the Tagnaouite, leading the way for the women of Gnaoua. She has become one the rare ambassadors of Gnaoua art as the leader of Bnat Timbouktou. She was initiated by her father, the great Maâlem Rachid Hamzaoui, learning early on to play the guembri at celebrations at his side. Within her own group, Asmaa remains loyal to traditions, addressing themes such as suffering, and the collective African memory. She joined the line-up of the Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival in the summer of 2017. Her participation did not go unnoticed, as female guembri players are rare in Morocco, and in the world. During the 24th edition of the Festival, Asmaa Hamzaoui and Bnat Timbouktou delivered a magnificent performance in fusion with Les Amazones d’Afrique, a group composed entirely of divas from the continent. A fitting example of African sisterhood, with a strong dose of rhythm and flair.