Hassan Hakmoun: Gnawa Trance Music

Born in Marrakech, Hassan Hakmoun is the premier exponent of Moroccan Gnawa trance music in America and a commanding figure in world music circles. While punching out a groove on the sintir,a bass lute, his ecstatic vocals invoke the spirits of healing through chants of praise to the Prophet Mohammad and the saints. His music is a spellbinding blend of North African and Arab melodies with West African rhythms. He will be accompanied by his brother Abderrahim Hakmoun on vocals and qraqeb (Gnawa metal castanets.)