Morocco

Maâlem Omar Hayat

Known for his exceptional scenic performances, Omar Hayat is also a virtuoso of the guembri. While he carries on Gnaoua tradition, Maâlem Omar Hayat does not hesitate to adventure into other worlds, as he demonstrated in his 2011 performance with the hip-hop troupe La Halla KingZoo in Essaouira, or with DJ/rupture at the famous "Frost Festival" in Copenhagen, in 2016. Maâlem Omar Hayat was initiated into Gnaoua music by Mahmoud Guinea, then created his own group in 1991. He is a unique artist, who was able to build a loyal fan base at the Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira thanks to his memorable collaborations with the trumpetist Ibrahim Maalouf in 2008, pianist Meddy Gerville in 2009, and the Mikkel Nordso Band in 2015.