
Maâlem Abdelkebir Merchane
Maâlem Abdelkebir was born in 1951 in the bustling city of Marrakech, Merchane’s life story is one of remarkable dedication to the ancient art of Gnawa music, a journey that began in childhood and continues to inspire audiences around the world. Merchane’s initiation into the world of Gnawa came at the tender age of nine, an age when most children are still navigating the basics of life. For young Abdelkebir, however, it was the beginning of a lifelong devotion to a profound musical and spiritual tradition. Under the guidance of