Go Back

Hassan Hakmoun

First Name: 

Last Name: 

Stage Name: 

Country: 

Born: 

Primary Language: 

Other Languages: 

Bio

Hassan Hakmoun is a Moroccan musician based in New York, specializing in the distinctive Gnawa style of music. Born into a family of musicians, Hakmoun was immersed in the world of Gnawa from an early age. At just 4 years old, he began performing alongside revered Gnawa masters across Morocco. By the age of 14, he had already established his own musical ensemble and was a respected musician, participating in Gnawa lila ceremonies. Today, Hassan Hakmoun is widely recognized as the godfather of Gnawa music, a genre deeply rooted in Moroccan culture. In 1987, he made his U.S. debut at Lincoln Center and has since called New York City his home. His music continues to bridge cultures and captivate audiences around the world.

Discography

Albums³

The Fire Within: Gnawa Music of Morocco1995 • AlbumTracks: 10

Trance1993 • AlbumTracks: 9

Gift of the Gnawa1991 • AlbumTracks: 6

Label

Record Label associated with Hassan Hakmoun - past and current.

Similar Artists

Ayub OgadaKenya |1956| Swahili

Job Seda, also known as Ayub Ogada was an iconic Kenyan singer, and famous for using Nyatiti, an eight-stringed traditional lyre. Ayub Ogada's choice in pursuing a career in music was influenced by his musical heritage--his parents and his tribe, Luo people of Kenya. He had his break when he became a co-founder of the African Heritage Band. In addition to music, Ayub was an actor. He acted in two Academic Award-winning movies. Sadly, he died on February 1, 2019 at age 63.

Guy Warren of GhanaGhana |1923| English

Guy Warren of Ghana, born in 1923 and passed away in 2008, was a renowned Ghanaian musician and cultural icon. He was popularly known as Kofi Ghanaba and was known for his exceptional skill in African drums and his unique blend of traditional African rhythms with Western jazz and blues. Warren was a pioneer of Afro-jazz music, and his innovative style inspired many musicians worldwide. He began his music career in Ghana with the Tempos dance band and later traveled to the United States where he played with jazz legends such as Charlie Parker, Max Roach, and Miles Davis. Apart from his music career, he was also an accomplished writer and visual artist. Warren's contribution to music and art remains celebrated.

Abdullah Ibrahim Fka Dollar BrandSouth Africa |1934| English

Abdullah Ibrahim, born Adolph Johannes Brand, is a highly esteemed South African pianist, composer, and bandleader. He began playing piano at the age of seven and made his professional debut at the age of fifteen, quickly becoming one of the leading jazz musicians in South Africa. His career saw collaborations with notable musicians, including the Jazz Epistles, and later, international recognition. In 1965, he moved to New York, where he performed at prestigious venues and became deeply engaged with the global jazz community. In 1990, Mandela invited him back to South Africa, marking a significant return. Ibrahim's illustrious career includes collaborations, film scores, documentaries, and many recognition and awards. He continues to tour, educate, and innovate in music, leaving an enduring legacy.

Joseph TawadrosEgypt |1983| Arabic

Joseph Tawadros AM, an Egyptian-born Coptic Australian artist, is a remarkable composer, accomplished multi-instrumentalist, and virtuoso of the oud. His musical journey began at the tender age of 8. Tawadros has a sound foundation in classical music, earning a bachelor of music degree from the University of New South Wales and a Freedman Fellowship for Classical Music. Notably, he is the first and sole Australian composer in the esteemed Academy of Ancient Music to perform work in the United Kingdom. He has four ARIA awards to his name and is renowned for seamlessly navigating across genres and numerous collaborations, illustrating his ability to transcend musical boundaries.

Mohamed RouaneAlgeria |1968| Arabic

Mohamed Rouane is an Algerian musician celebrated for blending flamenco and "Casbah-style jazz" with masterful mondol playing. Inspired by the legendary Sheikh M'Hamed El Anka, Rouane's music is a tribute to Chaabi's soul. He started with "Triana Algiers" in 1992, followed by "Méditerranéo" in 1995, before launching a thriving solo career in 2000. His music and instructional sessions at Algerian music festivals have solidified his role as a prominent figure in the nation's music scene. Rouane's dedication to preserving Algeria's musical heritage continues to inspire, and his melodies echo the timeless beauty of traditional Algerian music on the world stage.

Nduduzo MakhathiniSouth Africa |1982| Zulu

Nduduzo Makhathini is a prominent South African jazz musician. His profound connection to music began at an early age, nurtured by his upbringing in a musically inclined family. He pursued his passion for jazz by earning a Diploma in Jazz Piano from the Durban University of Technology in 2005. Founding Gundu Entertainment, he's released multiple award-winning albums, emphasizing his extraordinary talent and commitment to preserving the distinct essence of South African jazz. Beyond his musical prowess, Makhathini is a dedicated educator, leading Fort Hare University's music department. He's graced prestigious festivals worldwide and collaborated with notable artists. As a visionary musician, Nduduzo Makhathini continues to push the boundaries of jazz, creating music that is not only captivating but also deeply meaningful.

Bobby BensonNigeria |1922| Yoruba

Bernard Olabinjo Benson, also known as "Bobby" Benson, was an influential Nigerian musician, entertainer, and comedian who left a lasting mark on the Nigerian music scene. He started off by playing standard big-band music before incorporating African themes into his music, resulting in the creation of his signature sound. One of his most famous hits, "Taxi Driver," became a timeless classic in West Africa and was covered by numerous other musicians. In addition to being a talented singer, he was also a gifted comedian and magician. He hosted a popular show on NTA, where he entertained audiences with his unique blend of stand-up comedy, music, and magic tricks. Benson's passing away was a great loss to the Nigerian music industry, but his legacy lives on.