Mosawi Swiri by Maalem Houssam Guinia

Houssam and his group have been mastering their knowledge and understanding of the Gnawa ceremonial repertoire at Lila's and festivals around Morocco, and on Mosawi Swiri they present a number of songs from the Musawiyin Suite, the blue section of the trance ritual during which they invoke Sidi Musa, the master of the spirits of sea and sky. These songs have a special resonance for the Gnawa of the Atlantic fishing port of Essaouira. Houssam's playing is never flamboyant, aiming instead for the solid and insistent groove that drives his band and the trance ritual. Houssam is accompanied throughout by his brother Hamza Gania, Mohamed Benzaid, Khalid Charbadou and Amine Bassi on qraqabs and a vocal chorus that compliments Houssam's earthy lead vocal.
On the opening song, Moulay Lhacham, the group are joined by young musicians from the Essaouira region on guitar, keyboard and drums for a subtle and respectful piece of Gnawa fusion.
Fans of Houssam's work with James Holden, and of Hive Mind's 2017 release by Maalem Mahmoud Gania will want to immerse themselves in this special album.

The Gania family have long been guardians of the Zaouia Sidna Bilal, which is a beneficial association of Essaouira Gnaoui. Over recent months Houssam and Hamza have been busy working on the renovation and restoration of the Zaouia building, and the reinvigoration of an important programme of community work.
You can stay updated on the work of the Zaouia Sidna Bilal here:
https://www.instagram.com/zaouia_sidna.bilal?igsh=Y3I5YTF5dWM0Y3po

Houssam is the youngest son of the late Maalem Mahmoud Gania.
Although still in his twenties, Houssam has performed in London, the Netherlands and in Azerbaijan. He has collaborated with synth maestro James Holden, played the London Barbican and is a regular and well loved feature of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira.

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