Festival regular Maâlem Seddik Laarch is a key figure in the Gnaoua galaxy. Thanks to his unmistakeable poise, vocal mastery and technique, Seddik Laarch stands among the most appreciated Gnaoua maâlems in the city of tradewinds, and one of the best representatives of the Souiri school. He excels equally well in the creation of the guembri as in its music, passionate about Tagnaouite art and its instruments. Though he lives outside of Morocco, he stood out on the Essaouira Festival stage from its earliest editions. his most recent performance, in 2OO3, impressed audiences. After multiple performances in Morocco and beyond, he recorded and released his first album in France, in 2003. Since that time, he has participated in many events in Morocco and elsewhere.