Saad Tiouly

Mystical Gnawa trance with the fresh, contemporary energy of Saad Tiouly

Saad Tiouly is one of the most exciting new voices within Morocco’s centuries‑old Gnawa tradition. Raised in the winding alleyways of Casablanca’s old medina, his music embodies the spiritual power of Gnawa, infused with a fresh, contemporary energy.
Often described as the Jimi Hendrix of the guembri, Saad brings a psychedelic edge to Gnawa culture. With virtuosic playing on the three‑stringed bass lute, lightning‑fast grooves, repetitive rhythms of the qraqeb (metal castanets) and hypnotic vocals, he relentlessly draws the audience in. His concerts are intense, spellbinding and physical: dancing, sweating and complete surrender are inevitable.
Although Saad is young and unmistakably modern — with wild hair, bold outfits and personal lyrics about city life, tradition and the present — he is deeply rooted in Gnawa spirituality. He was shaped within Gnawa brotherhoods and is a disciple of master Mohammed Oughssal. His music carries stories of ancestors, healing and everyday life, delivered with depth and authenticity.
Saad Tiouly is not only a musician, but a maker in the broadest sense of the word. He builds his own guembris, designs his stage costumes and actively explores dialogue with electronic music to open up new sonic landscapes — always faithful to the essence of Gnawa, with a clear vision for the future.
With his almost psychedelic stage presence, expressive vocals and acrobatic dance movements, Saad transforms every performance into an overwhelming experience in which audiences fully immerse themselves. Let yourself be carried away by mysticism, rhythm and raw energy, and experience how this ancient Gnawa tradition is vibrantly alive today.