Bab L’ Bluz, a French-Moroccan world music power quartet, has recently unveiled “Iwaiwa Funk,” the third track from their upcoming album, Swaken. This composition, performed on the electric mandol and featuring vocals in the traditional high-pitched style of Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, carries themes of embracing life’s brevity, rejecting resentment, and celebrating dance as a spiritual release.
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Critique of ‘Iwaiwa Funk’
“Iwaiwa Funk” serves as a critique of those who inflict suffering or remain blind to the consequences of their actions, emphasizing the importance of heeding distress signals and extending kindness and understanding. The track encourages reflection on our effect on others and advocates for compassion in our interactions.
About ‘Swaken’ Album
Scheduled for release on May 10th, “Swaken” comprises eleven tracks characterized by vibrant, high-energy rhythms drawing from diverse musical traditions. Combining elements of psychedelic blues, funk, and rock with the trance-inducing beats of North Africa’s Maghreb region, including Gnawa, Amazigh, Hassani, and Huara influences, the album represents a fusion of ancient and contemporary sounds.
Yousra Mansour’s Perspective
Front-woman Yousra Mansour remarks, “There are still times when we are confronted with outdated attitudes,” says Mansour, with a shrug. “Which only makes me more determined to express everything I feel. I will not censor myself.”
Don’t miss out on the mesmerizing sounds of Bab L’ Bluz. Get ready to groove to the beats of ‘Iwaiwa Funk’ and immerse yourself in the cultural blend of their music!
Pick Up Your Copy of “Swaken” on Amazon
Learn More About Bab L’ Bluz
Located in North Africa, Morocco is a country rich in culture and history. One of the unique aspects of Moroccan culture is its music scene, which includes a diverse range of genres and influences. One band that has been making waves in the Moroccan music scene is Bab L’ Bluz. Bab L’ Bluz is a fusion band that combines traditional North African music with modern sounds to create a unique and exciting sound that is all their own.
Formed in 2018, Bab L’ Bluz consists of three members: Yousra Mansour, Brice Bottin, and Hafid Zouaoui. The band draws inspiration from Gnawa music, a traditional style of music that originated in North Africa. Gnawa music is known for its hypnotic rhythms and spiritual undertones, and Bab L’ Bluz incorporates these elements into their music to create a sound that is both modern and traditional.
One of the band’s standout features is their use of the guembri, a traditional North African instrument that is similar to a bass guitar. This unique instrument adds a distinctive sound to Bab L’ Bluz’s music, giving it a depth and richness that sets it apart from other bands in the Moroccan music scene. In addition to the guembri, the band uses a variety of other instruments, including drums, guitars, and keyboards, to create a full-bodied sound that is both energetic and soulful.
Bab L’ Bluz’s music is characterized by its infectious rhythms and soulful vocals. The band’s lyrics often touch on themes of love, loss, and social justice, reflecting the band members’ own experiences and beliefs. This depth and sincerity in their music have resonated with audiences both in Morocco and around the world, earning the band a loyal following of fans who appreciate their unique sound and message.
In addition to their music, Bab L’ Bluz is also known for their energetic live performances. The band’s dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals create an electrifying atmosphere that captivates audiences and leaves them wanting more. Bab L’ Bluz’s shows are a mix of music and storytelling, with the band members engaging with the audience and sharing their own personal experiences and struggles.
Bab L’ Bluz’s music has been well-received both in Morocco and internationally, earning them critical acclaim and a growing fan base. The band has performed at a number of festivals and events, both in Morocco and abroad, showcasing their unique sound and talent to audiences around the world. Their music has also been featured in films and television shows, further expanding their reach and influence.
Bab L’ Bluz is a band that is pushing the boundaries of traditional North African music and bringing a fresh and modern perspective to the genre. Their fusion of traditional sounds with modern influences creates a unique and exciting sound that is both captivating and thought-provoking. With their infectious rhythms, soulful vocals, and powerful message, Bab L’ Bluz is a band that is sure to continue making waves in the Moroccan music scene and beyond for years to come.
