Innov Gnawa

**Innov Gnawa** is a New York City-based collective dedicated to preserving and reimagining the hypnotic sounds of Gnawa music, a centuries-old spiritual tradition rooted in Morocco. Led by Moroccan-born maâlem (master musician) Hassan Ben Jaafer, the group blends trance-inducing rhythms from the guembri (a three-stringed lute), hand-clapped percussion, and soulful call-and-response vocals to channel the healing energy of Gnawa’s ceremonial roots. While deeply respectful of the tradition’s sacred rituals—like the *lila*, an all-night healing ceremony—they’ve also connected with global audiences through collaborations (like their work with Bonobo and Mark Ronson) and genre-blurring remixes that bridge ancient mysticism and modern beats.

Their releases, from raw, devotional tracks like “Aicha” to vibrant reinterpretations like “Bangara (AkizzBeatzz Remix),” showcase their mission: keeping Gnawa alive while inviting new ears to its meditative power. Whether performing at festivals or intimate venues, Innov Gnawa turns every show into a communal journey—part dance party, part spiritual recharge.