Abdeljalil Kodssi

Abdeljalil Kodssi is a musician from Marrakech, Morocco, who belongs to the Gnawa community, descendants of Central Africans brought to the Maghreb in the Middle Ages. Initially a professional barber, Kodssi's music career took off after a chance encounter with Spanish writer Juan Goytisolo in 1984, leading to performances in Spain and collaborations with European musicians. He co-founded the band Nass Marrakech in the early 1990s, which blended traditional Gnawa music with modern influences. Kodssi has also released solo albums, including "Mimoun" in 2002, produced by Omar Sosa, and "Oulad Fulani Ganga" in 2007, recorded with Javier Mas between Marrakech and Barcelona.

Kodssi's music often reflects his Gnawa heritage while incorporating diverse international influences. His work has been featured in various projects, including soundtracks like "MusicalMENT," where he performed "Mirant el Cel". Through his music, Kodssi continues to bridge cultural divides, showcasing the rich musical traditions of the Gnawa community to global audiences.