After celebrating their 10th anniversary with Muziekpublique in 2023, Brussels’ most beloved Gnawa ensemble, Gnawa Black Koyo, returns with an exceptional concert alongside the legendary M’allem (Master) Omar Hayat. Expect the deep, pulsing sound of the guembri reverberating through your chest, voices rising like prayers, and the collective energy that only Gnawa music can summon.

Rooted in Essaouira, his birthplace and spiritual sanctuary, Omar Hayat crafts his own instruments by hand. On stage, he radiates like a living work of art, as if chosen by the spirits themselves as a vessel. It’s no wonder his performances command reverence from audiences across the globe, from Canada to Denmark, Italy, Germany, and Portugal.

Walking the fine line between tradition and innovation, Omar fearlessly pushes boundaries, collaborating with jazz greats like Vincent Segal, Nguyen Lê, Karim Ziad, Ibrahim Maâlouf, as well as renowned DJs and even hip-hop dancers.

Sharing the stage with him is Black Koyo, founded by Hicham Bilali. Comprised of musicians, singers and dancers from Tangier, Fez, and Casablanca now based in Brussels, Black Koyo celebrates the northern Moroccan Gnawa tradition and its rich drum repertoire.