Saha Gnawa

Co-led by Maâlem Hassan Ben Jaafer and Daniel Freedman, the critically-acclaimed ensemble Saha Gnawa unites the founders of Innov Gnawa with leading figures from New York City's jazz and contemporary music scenes to reimagine modern Gnawa music. Often referred to as "Sufi Blues," Gnawa is rooted in Morocco's ancient history. Over centuries, infectious rhythms and polytheistic spiritual beliefs originating from West African slaves integrated with Islam and the indigenous culture of Morocco, giving birth to a hybrid spiritual sect and musical community. The lyrics of Gnawa songs are prayers invoking saints and spirits for freedom and liberation. In a recent five-star album review, Songlines noted: "Whereas previous Gnawa-jazz fusions have seemed to ruminate on concepts of ancientness, this project instead revels in taking listeners on a voyage to the sound of a future New York, a future Essaouira, and a future of inspired imaginations from nowhere-in-particular."