Songs
Classic Gnawa, this track was selected for Songlines 'Top of the World' track list, summer 2013
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Videos
Simo live at Cottons, Islington, London September 2013. Video: Ray Allan
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- country:Morocco
- region:North Africa
- style(s):Gnawa
- label:World Music Network
- type:Solo
- gender:male
- instrumentation:vocal
- artist posted by:Waulk Records
Links
Simo Lagnawi, a Maalem (Gnawa master musician) from Morocco, is considered to be the leading exponent of Gnawa music in the UK today. An innovative performer he has collaborated in a range of musical genres as well as composing new works in traditional Gnawa style. His performances include acrobatic dance as well as vocal chants, guembri and krakeb playing. Simo makes regular appearances on the London scene with residencies at Momo Arabic restaurant, the V&A and Passing Clouds as well as performing at festivals such as Glastonbury, Latitude, Bestival, Boomtown, Larmer Tree, Rhythm Tree, Secret Garden Party & Wilderness in the UK as well as overseas. His 2nd album 'The Gnawa Berber: El Baraka' is scheduled for release on 20th October 2014 on World Music Network's Riverboat label, produced by Griselda Sanderson who also worked with him on his debut. Lagnawi's debut 'Gnawa London' was released by Waulk Record in April 2013 with cover art by fellow Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj. It demonstrates his deep immersion in the Gnawa tradition as well as bringing his own interpretation to the music with his original compositions.
"Gnawa London reveals Simo Lagnawi to be an artist to watch closely."
****Tim Woodall, Songlines Magazine issue 94, August/September 2013
Simo is a winner of World Music Network's 'Battle of The Bands' competition and his track 'Tourklila' from the album 'Gnawa London' features on the covermount CD of Songlines Magazine issue no. 94 in their 'Top of the World' selection.
Simo also collaborates with a number of other musicians from The Gambia & Burkina Faso to Japan and also plays with fusion bands Electic Jalaba and Kamba Band, with Griselda Sanderson & Amadou Diagne.