Maâlem Saïd Kouyou (or his actual name, Mohammed El Baghdadi) absorbed Gnaoua culture at his grandmother’s knee, in an atmosphere steeped in joy and spirituality. Saïd would often accompany her during spiritual ceremonies or celebrations organized in his native Asilah or elsewhere. At the age of 7, he began to learn to play and sing under the direction of several maâlems, who would make the pilgrimage to the city of Asilah. His artistic and associative career began at the age of 17. In 2008, he founded and directed the Kanawi Association, which still exists today. Kouyou is also one of the first musicians to use solfege rules in Gnaoua music, and entered the Music Conservatory in 2008. Saïd Kouyou has participated in multiple concerts and cultural events in Morocco and abroad.