Moroccan Asmâa Hamzaoui was supposed to play at Globaltica in 2020. Unfortunately, despite having already signed a contract, her performance did not take place due to the pandemic, which completely ruined our plans. This time, there will be no such problems, and the artist will appear on stage at Kolibki Park on Friday, July 18, honoring the Globaltica anniversary with her presence.
Asmâa Hamzaoui & Bnat Timbouktou is a unique band from Morocco that redefines traditional Gnawa music, breaking down the barriers of gender, generations and cultural boundaries. The group is led by the charismatic Asmâa Hamzaoui – one of the first and most recognizable masters of the genre (maalema). The band introduces feminine energy to a heritage previously reserved almost exclusively for men.
Gnawa is a traditional spiritual music rooted in African rituals and Sufi culture, combining rhythmic chants, the trance sounds of the guembri instrument and the hypnotic rhythms of the metal castanets qraqeb. Asmâa, together with the band Bnat Timbouktou (meaning “Girls from Timbuktu”), give this heritage a new, feminine dimension, respecting the tradition while boldly introducing it to the modern world stages.
The band has gained international recognition, performing at prestigious world music events such as WOMEX, Roskilde Festival and Festival au Désert. The girls have released two albums to date, each of which has been enthusiastically received by critics and audiences, and Asmâa herself has been recognized as one of the most important ambassadors of female power in North African music.
Asmâa Hamzaoui & Bnat Timbouktou are more than a band – they are a symbol of change and opening up in traditional culture. Their concerts are not only a musical experience, but also a spiritual journey to the heart of Morocco.
Musicians:
Antonis Antoniou – electric tzouras / vocals / electronics
Manos Stratis – bass synth / organ
Will Scott – bass clarinet
Ulaş Öğüç – drums / triggers
