JUNE 27-29, 2024 ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO

SAM 29 JUIN

MAÂLEM MUSTAPHA BAQBOU

Artist

BIOGRAPHY

MAÂLEM MUSTAPHA BAQBOU

Born in 1953 in Marrakech, Mustapha Baqbou grew up in a Gnaoua zaouia where his father, Maâlem El Ayachi Baqbou, initiated him into the Tagnaouite arts as a young child. Mustapha Baqbou became an integral participant of the 1970s folk music movement as a member of the famous Jil Jilala group. Time and time again, he has proven his talent in many festivals, renewing his commitment to raising awareness of Gnaoua music both in the traditional sense and in fusion with other musical genres. Known for his exceptional fusions, Maâlem Mustapha Baqbou has performed on many stages, appearing alongside headliners like Marcus Miller, Pat Metheny, Carlos Santana, Louis Bertignac, Eric Legnini, and the French Jazz band Sixun. He has performed on stage in America, Asia, and Europe. Maâlem Mustapha Baqbou is a pioneer is his art, as he is one of the first to create Gnaoua fusions with world music.