Saad Tiouly — reinventing Gnawa from the heart of Casablanca

Raised in the historic medina of Casablanca, Saad Tiouly grew up surrounded by the rich musical traditions of Morocco. From an early age, he immersed himself in Gnaoua, Issawa and Dakka Marrakchia, absorbing the rhythms, spiritual depth and hypnotic power of these ancestral forms.

A disciple of the renowned Gnaoui master Mohammed Oughssal, Saad carries a profound respect for the roots of Gnawa music while constantly searching for new expressions. His mission is not simply to preserve tradition, but to make it evolve — creating a sound that speaks to today’s audiences while remaining connected to the soul of Gnaoua.

With his deep, resonant guembri, powerful voice and magnetic stage presence, Saad Tiouly transforms Gnawa into a contemporary experience where ancestral trance, rock energy and raw rhythmic intensity meet. His music explores the space between ancient traditions and a modern artistic vision, between spiritual ritual and fearless musical exploration.

Growing up in Casablanca’s vibrant cultural landscape has shaped Saad’s artistic identity. His songs reflect both the memory of Moroccan heritage and the urgency of a new generation searching for its own voice. Through innovative compositions, original lyrics and collaborations across genres, he creates a personal vision of Gnawa — one that is open, adventurous and constantly evolving.

A true craftsman, Saad places creativity at the centre of every aspect of his work. He designs his own stage costumes, combining traditional influences with contemporary aesthetics, and creates and adapts his own instruments, including the guembri, pushing the boundaries of their possibilities.

On stage, Saad Tiouly delivers a hypnotic and immersive performance that goes far beyond a traditional concert. Driven by powerful rhythms and collective trance, the musicians move with remarkable physical intensity, combining music, movement and acrobatic gestures in a breathtaking display of energy and connection. Their dynamic stage presence transforms the performance into a visceral experience — where rhythm, body and spirit become one.

Driven by a universal vision, Saad continues to explore new territories — from traditional Gnawa ensembles to world music collaborations and electronic fusion projects. Whether performing solo, with musicians from the Gnawa tradition or within contemporary experimental settings, he remains a versatile and visionary artist: a modern voice of Gnawa music, rooted in Casablanca but reaching far beyond Morocco.

LINEUP:

Group Size: 6 Artists + 1 manager (at times 1 tour manager)
• Mr. SAAD TIOULI: Chant, Guembri
• Mr. Abderrazak Asqualane: Krakeb, Tambours, Chœurs
• Mr. Mohammed Berri: Krakeb, Tambours, Chœurs
• Mr. Ibrahim Hadadi: Krakeb, Chœurs
• Mr. Mohammed Amine El Allouki: Krakeb, Chœurs
• Mr. Youssef Jaoudallah: Krakeb, Chœurs