Introduction
Saad met Lasse in the summer of 2024, and presented him the "mother of all basses", the guimbri, used in Gnawa music. Lasse was excited! They immediately started playing Gnawa music, and met Janne in the spring of 2025 at another North African music concert, and started playing together.
Gnawa music is a body of Moroccan religious songs and rhythms. Emerging in the 16th and 17th centuries, Gnawa music developed through the cultural fusion of West Africans brought to Morocco, notably the Hausa, Fulani, and Bambara peoples, whose presence and heritage are reflected in the songs and rituals. Its well-preserved heritage combines ritual poetry with traditional music and dancing.
Saad has been playing Moroccon folk and gnawa since 2002. Lasse started as a jazz musician in the 90's and has graduated from the Sibelius academy. Later he has expanded his interests in traditional and historical music, and releases music also as an ambient producer. Janne has been playing guitar since early 90's, and has been interested and played music particularly from West Africa, North Africa, and North America.
Saad Kaya - guimbri, percussion
Lasse Lindgren - saz, citole, synth, percussion
Janne Ahonen - guitar
Technical Information
20 min to 1 hour. We can play acoustic or electric, depending on the venue and the concert.