Hamid El Kasri is a master musician hailing from Morocco, renowned for his exceptional skill and soulful performances in the tradition of Gnawa music. Born in Ksar-el-Kebir in 1961, El Kasri was initiated into the Gnawa tradition at a young age. Over the years, he has become one of the most respected and influential maestros within this spiritual music genre, which is deeply rooted in West African and Islamic spiritual religious songs and rhythms.

His music is a blend of African, Berber, and Arabic sounds, which culminates in rich, hypnotic melodies and rhythms that are capable of inducing a trance-like state in listeners and participants of the lilas (Gnawa music ceremonies). El Kasri's powerful voice and virtuosic skill with the guembri (a three-stringed bass lute used in Gnawa music) have earned him international acclaim, making him a beloved figure in world music circles. His work on albums such as "Roots & Plugged" and the remastered series "Soirées Gnawa Neurasys," showcases his dedication to both the preservation and modernization of the Gnawa musical heritage. Through spreading the captivating sounds of Gnawa beyond the borders of Morocco, Hamid El Kasri is a pivotal figure in bringing this spiritual and musical tradition to global attention.

Genres

Classic Moroccan Pop

Gnawa

Moroccan Pop

Latest Release

Chabakro

Salma Rachid•

Hamid El Kasri

Single - Released April 27, 2023