Town Hall Seattle and SAMA: Music + Art present
Global Rhythms: Saha Gnawa
Where Morrocco Meets NYC
EVENT NOTES
Lobby doors for this event will open at 6:00 PM. The Great Hall will open for seating at 7:00 PM.
Free and reduced cost tickets made possible in part by
Saha Gnawa brings North African futurism to the U.S., uniting the founders of Innov Gnawa with leading figures from New York City’s jazz and contemporary music scenes to reimagine modern Gnawa music.
Often referred to as “Sufi Blues,” Gnawa is rooted in Morocco’s ancient history. Over centuries, infectious rhythms and polytheistic spiritual beliefs originating from West African slaves integrated with Islam and the indigenous culture of Morocco, giving birth to a hybrid spiritual sect and musical community. The lyrics of Gnawa songs are prayers invoking saints and spirits for freedom and liberation. Gnawa music is revered and treasured throughout Morocco for its soulfulness and healing power.
Refined via late-night sessions at LunÀtico in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, Saha Gnawa explores trance-like states through its intuitive interplay, allowing ancestral rhythms and melodies to drift into unknown territories. What emerges is both an authentic performance of centuries-old Gnawa tradition and a bold step into new dimensions of sound — where traditional song forms dissolve into ecstatic dance tracks laced with subtle electronics.
Watch: Saha Gnawa – Bacha Hamou / Baba Mimoun (Live at Brooklyn Bowl)
Read More
About the Band
The ensemble is co-led by Maâlem Hassan Ben Jaafer, a master musician who carries forward generations of Gnawa tradition, the son of the esteemed Maâlem Abdullah Benjaafar of Fes. Trained in his father’s officially recognized Gnawa school and by master musicians throughout Morocco, Ben Jaafer earned the title of Maâlem (master) as a teenager—an honor bestowed only by consensus of other masters. He performs on vocals and guembri (a three-stringed bass lute) and has collaborated with artists like Randy Weston, and leads the Grammy-nominated group Innov Gnawa.
Co-leader Daniel Freedman, a drummer and composer, brings decades of experience collaborating with artists like David Byrne and Angelique Kidjo, as well as deep knowledge of traditions from Africa and the Middle East.
The ensemble also features Amino Belyamani (Innov Gnawa, Dawn of Midi) and David Lizmi (Innov Gnawa, Bombino) on qraqebs and backing vocals, and Jason Lindner (David Bowie, Now vs Now) on keys and synths.
Presented by Town Hall Seattle and SAMA: Music + Art.
Events are offered for informational, entertainment, and educational purposes only. Read Town Hall’s Program Content Policy.
Global Atmosphere
Pre-Show Food and Beverages starting at 6PM
Starting at 6:00PM, mingle in the Lobby and enjoy food for purchase from local vendors; specialty beverages will also be available at our cafe. Come early, get some dinner, and immerse yourself in the flavors of the culture before the show.
This is part of the Global Rhythms Series
In-Kind Media Support provided by KEXP.