Majid Bekkas

Majid Bekkas is a pivotal figure in the 'Gnaoua Blues' movement, a genre-defying space where Moroccan spiritual traditions intersect with African-American blues and European jazz. Born in Salé, Morocco, Bekkas was trained in the Gnawa tradition by Master Ba Houmane while simultaneously studying classical guitar and oud.

This dual education allowed him to become a bridge-builder, translating the trance-inducing polyrhythms of the guembri into a language accessible to the international jazz circuit. His career arc moved from playing in Moroccan 'Jil' groups to high-profile collaborations with jazz luminaries like Archie Shepp, Joachim Kühn, and Klaus Doldinger. Critically, he is lauded for his 'Magic Spirit Quartet' project, which solidified his reputation as a master of ethno-jazz. His sound identity is defined by the deep, resonant thrum of the guembri and a vocal style that leans into the ritualistic chanting of Gnawa ceremonies. He occupies a unique cultural position as both a traditional 'Maâlem' (master) and a sophisticated jazz composer, influencing a new generation of North African musicians to explore their roots through a global lens.