Worlds Within Worlds is a record label specialising in Eastern classical music whose work not only exposes this music to wider audiences but also helps to support many musicians based in Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. For their forthcoming release, A Dream In Essaouira, they turn their focus to the spiritual heartland of Gnawa music.
Lachlan Dale, the label manager, emphasised that this album was different from the Gnawa fusion records many of us may be more familiar with. A Dream In Essaouira features a traditional Gnawa ceremony performed by Abdel Benaddi, the most important hereditary Gnawa musician of his generation and the Director of the Zaouia Sinda Bilal (Ceremonial House of Gnawa) in Essaouira. He is responsible for running and organising community gatherings and ritual ceremonies, so he plays an essential role in preserving their musical heritage for future generations. Abdel comes from a lineage deeply rooted in Gnawa, whose father also travelled the globe alongside masters spreading the Gnawa culture beyond the borders of Morocco. His whole family plays a part in this living tradition: “My mother and sister are facilitators with the Gnawa ceremony and regularly are involved with the Lila “night ceremony” My young brother also is a young master who participates in the ceremonies. For us, it’s very important to keep the culture alive within our family, which keeps us all in good health physically and spiritually.”
Taken from the album, you can watch a video for Bouhala below (released as the first single tomorrow – 3 May) that has been beautifully shot by Saad El Mazouni and produced by Julian Belbachir and Abdel Benaddi. There’s a real authenticity to both the performance and film, which provides glimpses of Abdel’s life in the community in Essaouira, showing the different aspects of his role as a senior Gnawa musician and lineage-holder and the process of recording the album.
Regarding his relationship with Gnawa music, Abdel shared: “For me, music transcends mere entertainment; it is a spiritual practice deeply intertwined with everyday life. Gnawa music, in particular, serves as a conduit to connect with my ancestors, fostering a sense of community and spiritual unity. It embodies the essence of freedom and reminds me of the path towards living a fulfilling life in harmony with the universe.”
Bouhala’s performance is warm and intimate, and even with the contemporary edge that Producers Julian Belbachir and Dave Godriguez (Godtet) bring, you don’t lose that sense of heritage that people like Abdel Benaddi have kept alive.
Abdel will be travelling to Panama for a diplomatic performance, showcasing Gnawa music and culture to Government Officials for a week in May 2024.
He also has a visa to perform with Julian Belbachir in Europe in October 2024.
You will be able to pre-order the album from Bandcamp: https://worldswithinworlds.bandcamp.com/