Houssam Gania is a gnawa ma’alem (master) and musician (guembiri, percussion and vocals) based in Essaouira. He is deeply rooted in the ceremonial music tradition of gnawa, and is descended from a long line of ma’alems (masters). Houssam has been a headliner of the Gnawa World Music Festival in Essaouira, and leads gnawa ceremonies and plays concerts and festivals around the world. He frequently collaborates with musicians in other genres, most notably with British electronic musician James Holden. Houssam’s debut album, Mosawi Swiri, was released in 2019. Houssam’s music celebrates the role of importance of the black heritage of Morocco, and his goal is to use his music “to end racism in Morocco and in the world.”
Houssam Gania
