Born in 1956 in Essaouira, Saïd El Bourqi grew up in a family where Gnaoua music was very present. Like his older brother, with whom he shares a passion for this music. As young boys, they participated in rituals and musical rites of the brotherhood. Saïd then became a master of the guembri, travelling to different regions of Morocco to meet with other maâlems. Today he is one of the most respected Gnaoua musicians in Essaouira, and knows the full repertoire of Gnaoua, which he plays in its purest tradition. Saïd El Bourqi has already led multiple tours overseas and has participated many times at the Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival. During the 2018 edition, he joined a 7-maâlem tribute concert dedicated to late maâlems of the Essaouira brotherhood, at Zaouia Sidna Bilal.