Alouane

Waaju & Majid Bekkas's 'Alouane' stands as testament for creation and collaboration even in the most challenging of times. Whilst it becomes increasingly difficult bringing overseas artists to the UK, the record encapsulates connectivity across cultural or generational boundaries, and the explosive energy of live collaboration in the wake of Covid-19's isolation. Brainchild of Waaju bandleader Ben Brown, this unique collaborative record features Brown's expansive arrangements of traditional Gnawa songs, bringing Bekkas' incredible musical force into the soundscape of potent grooves and trippy delays that Waaju has become known for. Bekkas, who's previous collaborators include Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp and Peter Brotzmann, is considered one of the foremost figures in Moroccan Gnawa music today and has been key in the music's revival over the last decade. He's also never before collaborated with a UK band which, at the time of recording, was his first visit to the UK. On 'Alouane', Bekkas is welcomed effortlessly into Waaju's simmering chemistry, which can be heard most vividly on their previous studio albums 'Grown' in 2020 and a self-titled debut in 2018. Waaju's members have remained deeply connected throughout the ensemble's eight year history amidst working in the bands of Mulatu Astatke, Alfa Mist, Loyle Carner, Jordan Rakei, Jos James, Ashley Henry, Nubiyan Twist and others, and their music has commanded global listenership and has been championed by the likes of Gi