Set up by drummer Vincent Thomas in San Sebastian in 2013, Gabacho Maroc has developed its own flair, using Afrojazz as the stock in a stew that’s spiked with ingredients from Moroccan, Arabic and Western music.
The compositions of Gabacho Maroc are inspired by the gnawa heritage, musical style of sub-Saharan reminiscences practiced by Muslim mystical brotherhoods, African music, jazz, flamenco and the Berber tradition to transcend geographical styles and limits.
The quality of the music and their live show led them to the fact that in 2015 Gabacho Maroc was nominated as Best African Jazz Band of the year for the African Music Awards.
Gabacho Maroc’s first album, BISSARA, earned the band a nomination for the All African Music Awards in 2015. The single “Moussaoui” rapidly attained 40,000 views on YouTube, and was selected by the UK label “World Music Network” for its Rough Guide CD compilation, The Best Arabic Music You’ve Never Heard.
With a repertoire that is variegated, festive and refined, Gabacho Maroc has captivated audiences all over the world playing more than 150 festivals and venues on four continents.
The new album TAWASSOL, featuring some artists like Jean-Philippe Rykiel (France), Pascuala Ilabaca (Chile), and Mixel Ducau (Basque Country) was released in the beginning of 2018.
Their concert at Drammen Sacred Music Festival and Union Scene will be their first time ever in Norway, and this is the kind of music experience you just don´t was to miss out on.
Line-up:
Hamid Moumen : vocals, guembri | Aziz Fayet : oud, vocals, percussion | Frédéric Faure : n’goni, percussion, vocals | Illyes Ferfera : tenor sax, vocals | Pierre Cherbero: keyboards | Eric Oxandaburu : bass | Vincent Thomas : drums
“An indescribable joy”
(El Universal)
“A music aimed for all ages and the whole world”
(Terra)
“Gabacho Maroc combines musicians from France, Morocco and Spain, creating music without borders”
(El País)
“The last notes were played to thunderous applause”
(All Huffington Post)
The concert is produced in collaboration between Drammen Sacred and Interkultur.