- Collaboration between Moroccan and German musicians and AI developers: International and interdisciplinary nature of the residency.
- Exploration of Gnawa Music through AI: A core focus on understanding and integrating Gnawa music's unique patterns with AI technology.
- Cultural Preservation and Technological Innovation: Highlighting the residency's dual aim of preserving Gnawa music while advancing AI research.
- Open-Source Dataset: Mentioned as a key outcome, beneficial for both cultural heritage and technological advancement.
- Final Showcase at the Essaouira Festival: A live jam session illustrating the fusion of Gnawa music and AI, showcasing the project's achievements.
- Engagement with Institutions: Seeking support and collaboration from entities at the intersection of culture and technology.
Gnaoua Culture Promoting Gnaoua culture through research, education & collaboration. Sharing resources, building documentation & representing authentically.
https://www.instagram.com/gnaouaculture/
youtu.be/JLNQ9oAOu8g?feature=shared
https://www.instagram.com/gnaouaculture/
With "Gnawave", Gats and Khalil Mounji invite us on a musical journey that transcends borders and genres, fusing Moroccan Gnawa tradition with the electrifying energy of Berlin's underground scene. In honor of the late Maallem Said Benthami Oughassal, the revered Gnawa master whose spirit continues to inspire, "Gnawave" is a heartfelt dedication that pays homage to his enduring legacy. May he rest in peace, his influence resonates through every note and beat of this album. As we embrace the profound influence of Maallem Said Benthami Oughassal on Khalil' playing, we also recognize the importance of supporting his family, especially his 7-year-old daughter Rihanna, during this challenging time. To give back to the family of the master, we have established a fund from the proceeds of "Gnawave." We encourage our listeners and fans to contribute generously to this cause, ensuring that the future of this young talent is secure and her dreams are nurtured, just as her father's music has enriched our lives. Let us come together in unity, just as "Gnawave" unites traditions and genres, to provide tangible support to the family of a true Gnawa legend. credits released December 1, 2023
Mixing all tracks except Salanabina, Loghmami (Thomash Mix) and Sidi Bouganga: Andreas Köhn Mastering: Andreas Köhn Cover Art: Ulrich Okujeni Cover Design: Danae Catalan Saxophone on Berkilia: Fah Rouge
Casablanca, October 27, 2023, A unique musical journey unfolds with the release of "GNAWAVE," an album created through an innovative collaboration between Moroccan Gnawa musicians and electronic music artists from Berlin, scheduled for December 1st. This album represents a bridge between cultures, showcasing the rich heritage of Moroccan music merged with the vibrant energy of Berlin's underground scene. The heart of "GNAWAVE" lies in its tribute to the late Saïd Ougassal, a master of Gnawa music, who left an indelible mark on his student and our lead musician, Khalil Mounji. This album is not just a collection of songs; it's a sincere homage, the continuation of a legacy, and the testimony of the immortal spirit of Gnawa music. Remarkably, "GNAWAVE" was created entirely over the internet, bringing together artists who have never met in person but share a common vision. This digital collaboration underscores the unifying power of music and the possibilities of modern technology. Album Highlights:
- Fusion of traditional Moroccan Gnawa music with contemporary electronic sounds from Berlin.
- A tribute to Gnawa master, Saïd Ougassal.
- An entirely remote international collaboration.
⠀"GNAWAVE" will be available on all major streaming platforms starting December 1st. Join us in celebrating the release of "GNAWAVE" and experience the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. For more information, interviews, or promotional requests, please contact Khalil Mounji at khalil.mounji@gmail.com or at 0664635171. About the Artists GATS, also known by the names Voltags, Changa Boys, shostandthesons, Solarbaby, Lagoon, and Gates, is a producer, DJ, and performer based in Berlin, Germany. His music is a unique blend of psychedelic dance music with references to various micro-genres from the last 60 years. Adopting a boundary-less approach in exploring samples, with an eye on both the analog and digital worlds, Gates' work expresses the freedom of eclecticism. Khalil Mounji is a Gnawa musician and community activist who blends tradition and modernity to create a unique style. He founded Gnaoua Culture, an organization that uses technology to promote and preserve the Gnawa heritage through music and education. He is dedicated to sharing the wealth of Gnawa culture with the world.
Music is arguably one of the most emotional art forms, and yet it is closely interwoven with mathematical principles, sound physics and the careful crafting of musical instruments. Consequently, the evolution of music is closely linked with the history of musical instruments and the technologies used to perform, record and reproduce them.
Gnawave is a Residency program that explores the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and music, blending human creativity with technological precision. It's a space where AI meets musical artistry, creating a unique fusion of innovation and traditional craftsmanship.
The Residency will happen before and at the Essaouira Gnawa and World Music Festival, an annual event held in Essaouira, Morocco, that celebrates the rich musical heritage of Gnawa music, a genre deeply rooted in Moroccan spiritual and cultural traditions. Established in 1998 by Moroccan entrepreneur Neila Tazi, the festival has become a significant platform for Gnawa musicians to showcase their art alongside international artists.
The Residency Programm features Moroccan and German musicians and AI developers who will collaborate to explore Gnawa music. This project aims to understand and appreciate Gnawa's unique patterns, while also examining AI's ability to learn from this musical tradition.
The goal is to facilitate a dialogue between Gnawa's timeless melodies and AI, promoting mutual learning and creative exchange. The residency is focused on understanding cultural heritage through technology.
Gnawa music, with its foundational mluk songs and role in spiritual performances, presents a repetitive and finite repertoire ideal for AI synthesis. An open-source dataset will be a key outcome of the residency. The project prioritizes understanding how local Gnawa artists can share in the benefits from AI models derived from their music, while contributing to the ongoing preservation and development of their musical heritage.
The final showcase at the Essaouria Festival will be a live jam, with German and Moroccan musicians synergizing Gnawa music and AI.
Our aim is to attract support from institutions dedicated to the intersection of culture and technology.
Gnawave Residency: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation Discover the Intersection of Gnawa Music and AI. We're uniting Moroccan and German talents to redefine the future of music. Our goal: to blend the soulful rhythms of Gnawa with the precision of artificial intelligence. Collaborate Across Borders. This project is a call to institutions passionate about cultural preservation, technological innovation, and global partnership. Impact and Opportunity. With outcomes like an open-source dataset, we aim to benefit Gnawa's heritage and advance AI research. This is more than a project; it's a movement towards preserving tradition through innovation. Join Us in this unique journey to shape the intersection of music and technology.
In the Gnawave Residency at the Essaouira Gnawa and World Music Festival, Moroccan and German musicians and AI developers collaborate to explore Gnawa music. This project aims to understand and appreciate Gnawa's unique patterns, while also examining AI's ability to learn from this musical tradition.
Our goal is to facilitate a dialogue between Gnawa's timeless melodies and AI, promoting mutual learning and creative exchange. The residency is focused on understanding cultural heritage through technology.
Gnawa music, with its foundational mluk songs and role in spiritual performances, presents a repetitive and finite repertoire ideal for AI synthesis. An open-source dataset will be a key outcome of the residency. The project prioritizes understanding how local Gnawa artists can share in the benefits from AI models derived from their music, while contributing to the ongoing preservation and development of their musical heritage.
The final showcase at the Essaouria Festival will be a live jam, with German and Moroccan musicians synergizing Gnawa music and AI.
Our aim is to attract support from institutions dedicated to the intersection of culture and technology.