Simo Lagnawi - Gnawa London

Simo Lagnawi's debut album Gnawa London is a bold statement about musical identity and life as a Moroccan immigrant in London. Gnawa is the sacred spiritual trance music of the descendants of African slaves transported across the Sahara to North Africa. Traditionally this hypnotic music is played at Lilas, all night celebrations that evoke ancient spirits. On this album each of the 10 tracks follows a pattern that leads the listener from one mood to the next, beginning with Baniyorkoy and progressing to a climax on Shabakoy, with its frenetic traditional Moroccan drumming. Lagnawi's contemporary take on his Gnawa tradition has led to the inclusion of two original tracks. Track 5 Elhal refers to the Arab Spring and simply states 'Enough!'. Track 8 Missing Home is about immigrant life. On this Lagnawi expresses homesickness for his country, whilst acknowledging individuals and organisations that have positively encouraged his musical career since arriving in the UK.