Maalem Majid Bekkas and the British group Waaju undeniably have the talent to elevate jazz through Gnaoua music, and vice versa, crafting a distinctive sound that is entirely their own. More than a simple fusion, their creative partnership has given rise to the album Alouane, along with its live performance. Released in October 2024, the project made its Moroccan debut during the 18th edition of the Jazzablanca Festival. In the vibrant setting of Casablanca, this ensemble of virtuosos felt perfectly at home, celebrating the artistic bond that gave life to this transcendent musical journey. After a long collaboration with the London jazz ensemble Waaju, Majid Bekkas proudly marked his return home with the collective album Alouane, surrounded by his musical companions. During the 18th edition of the Jazzablanca Festival (July 3 to 12, 2025), the pioneer of African-Gnawa blues presented this vibrant musical project for the first time in Morocco. Co-created with the British group known for blending Latin polyrhythms, Malian psychedelic blues, and European arrangements, the performance on Stage 21 was warmly welcomed by an audience that has long appreciated Bekkas's unique sonic explorations, a master of traditional, classical, local, and global musical languages. Each of Bekkas's collaborations carries the spirit of discovery. In addition to being a multi-instrumentalist, the Gnawa maestro has consistently forged musical connections with artists from around the world, crafting unforgettable creations. Over the years, these artistic friendships have brought together musicians from Morocco and abroad. This particular project with Waaju holds a special place in his heart, he told Yabiladi before going on stage. «With Waaju, we first met during a festival in Poland. While talking with the members, I discovered that they already knew my repertoire, had listened to my albums, and even worked on some of my compositions!» he said. The British ensemble, whose name means «to encourage, inspire, or influence to act» in Bambara, a West African lingua franca, later proposed a collaboration with Bekkas. «Eventually, they invited me to London. We performed together at a festival, recorded a live album, and later played at the legendary Jazz Café. We've built a rich history of artistic work, and we're very happy to present it in Morocco for the first time», he recalled. Ben Brown in concert with Waaju and Majid Bekkas / Ph. Ilham Fouwad Photography - Yabiladi Composer and drummer Ben Brown, who founded Waaju, also spoke to Yabiladi about his musical inspirations and admiration for Bekkas. «I've always loved Gnawa music. Its mix of deep spirituality and joy fascinates me as an artist. I particularly appreciate Majid's unique approach, it's more delicate and dynamic. I really admire his incredible collaborations, which have opened so many new paths for the genre», he shared before their concert. Waaju, Enchanted by Gnawa-Jazz Bekkas began studying traditional Gnawa music in the 1970s, while also receiving classical training at the conservatory. He has performed abroad since the late 1990s, collaborating with major figures such as Randy Weston, Omar Sosa, Wessell Anderson, the late Stephen McCraven, Ramon Lopez, and African greats like Aly Keïta and Bassi Kouyaté. Over the decades, he has often invited these peers to perform in Morocco, celebrating the limitless possibilities of Gnawa-jazz fusion. Waaju and Majid Bekkas at Jazzablanca 2025 / Ph. Ilham Fouwad Photography - Yabiladi This universal approach, Bekkas explained, is especially meaningful when it resonates in his home country: «I've always enjoyed playing with different musicians, learning from others, and opening up to diverse cultures. This process defines who I am, it's what I'll keep doing for the rest of my life. I will always collaborate with artists from here and abroad because we all speak the same language: music. It's the most powerful way to understand each other and stay united across the world». Ben Brown, inspired by his collaboration with Bekkas, expressed his appreciation to Yabiladi: «Working with Majid has been one of the most fulfilling projects of my life. Everything came together so perfectly, beyond what I had imagined, both creatively and logistically». Waaju and Majid Bekkas at Jazzablanca 2025 / Ph. Ilham Fouwad Photography - Yabiladi «We allowed ourselves to be inspired by familiar Gnawa tones, playing with different rhythmic shades to bring out new colors. In a word, Alouane was an amazing shared experience», said Brown. Despite the challenges of working across continents, he added, each moment spent on this project felt special. «It's a real honor to play with Majid Bekkas. I'm truly proud of the sound we've found together—it's something authentic and deeply personal». During this remarkable concert, the two musical worlds merged seamlessly. The audience responded to the artists' joy and generosity with matching enthusiasm. The festive magic of the music cast its spell, and Alouane came to life, bright and borderless. Waaju and Majid Bekkas at Jazzablanca 2025 / Ph. Ilham Fouwad Photography - Yabiladi
