The son of Maâlem Abdelkader Oughessal and descendant of one of the great families of Gnaoua, Abderrahim Benthami Oughessal was born in 1956 in Casablanca. He apprenticed with his father, and went on to make his own contribution to the rich history of Gnaoua music. During his musical career, he has played with Abderrahman Paco and Boussou. Abderrahim Benthami Oughessal is the symbol of a new generation of maâlems, taking up the torch with Hicham Merchane, son of Maâlem Abdelkebir Merchane. He is best known for his mastery of the marsaoui style. Maâlem Abderrahim Oughessal has distinguished himself in fusion concerts, notably with American percussionist Andy Narrel as well as banjo and mandolin player Abdenour Djemaï.