Said Mesnaoui

Saïd Mesnaoui has a background steeped
in musical heritage. In the shadow of this
tradition, Saïd initiated himself into the
magic of percussions. His musical journey
leads him to a master of Gnawa music
who taught him the technique of Hajhouj,
the typical instrument of southern
Morocco.
Since the beginning of his career, at the
end of the 70’s, Saïd Mesnaoui has taken
part in many and varied events and
concerts in Morocco. Throughout the
early eighties, with his band Jil El
Ghiwane, touring extensively, North
Africa and the Middle East, Saïd
revitalized and spread the essence of
Moroccan culture. Tunisia, Syria and
Libya awarded a certificate, to the band to
honour the excellence of their artistic
work. The band also worked, for nearly
years, with the Minister of Culture in
Tunisia. It was at the International
Festival of Carthage (1983) that the band
received special mention.
In 1986, Saïd migrated to
Canada, with his new band, he toured
extensively trough out the country, being
present at many festivals, concerts and
events, recording three albums in the
process. The music he recorded during
this period could be described as a fusion
of Gnawa Trance and Jazz. Under western
influences, trance music of Said became
softer.
Maecenas pulvinar sagittis enim.
contact
said.mesnaoui@hotmail.fr
culturessansfrontieres@hotmail.fr
www.myspace.com/saidmesnaoui1
www.saidmesnaoui.com
In 1998, Saïd travelled to France where his musical journey
now continues with a new band. He works at a new album,
where the magic of the Moroccan rhythms’ (ghiwane,
sahraoui, berbère and gnawa) meet a tempo rock, reggae,
blues and jazz in keeping with the fascinating rhythms of
trance Gnawa. Said returns to Canada to produce his last
album Flk-Anta (Wake-Up), a result of French and Canadian
musician work. From now on, Said’ career continues
travelling between Canada, France and Morocco.
Under the shimmering lights a voice undulates through
the vibrant rhythm and the modern world slides through
the endless sands of the desert. The melodious and deep
sound of the hajhouj, supported by the strongly hypnotic
percussion, holds us spellbound. We are lost in the fire of
the dance.