Heir of a 400 years long family Tradition, Azouz SOUDANI has been initiated by his father, Maâlem Hajoub “Goubani” SOUDANI, Gnawa’s Zawiya Moqadem in Essaouira - notably famous as he shared his music with Jimi Hendrix-.
Distinguished connoisseur of the Tradition, he is able to deliver it during profanes performances, in the manner of any concert musician, as well as in the deep respect and the perfect mastery of the sacred ritual making up the “Lila”.

Wonderful musician, Azouz Soudani is the owner of a specific way of playing guembri (Swiri), famous and valued among Gnawa Masters.
Gifted with a sharp feeling of the dynamics, Azouz Soudani sings with a warmful and trickless voice, while he plays the guembri in a virtuoso way (“Soudani’s style” is well-known by its quickness and the precision of its interpretations).
Symbolically, his “tone” playing is associated with dark blue, the colour of the sea’s spirits.

Maâlem is also synonymous with transmitter.
Guardian of the Tradition, Azouz Soudani excels into the art of teaching the “kouyous” (members of the choir and percussionists).
His wide knowledge of the repertoire and his ability in delivering it singing, playing guembri, karkabas or dancing have made him a reputable kouyou. In this capacity he performed worldwide with Tyour Gnawa band.

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