With Black Koyo, saxophonist Mattias De Craene brings together the Moroccan Gnawa tradition and his own musical world. The project emerged from his travels between Morocco and Brussels and weaves traditional rhythms and chants with saxophone, loops, and electronics. The result: a captivating musical journey centered on rhythm, breath, and sound.

Led by Maalem Hicham Bilali, the Brussels-based ensemble Black Koyo brings together the distinctive sounds of the guibri, qraqueb, and call-and-response chants with De Craene’s saxophone and electronics. Norwegian producer and musician Jan Bang, who mixed the album, adds his signature approach to live sampling, blending electronics, improvisation, rhythm, and texture.

The music moves between tradition and experimentation, ranging from subdued passages to compelling, rhythmic outbursts. Gnawa, saxophone, and electronics converge in a sound that is both traditional and innovative. “A compelling work. Live, it’s even more powerful.” (De Standaard)

Members
Mattias De Craene - saxophone, electronics
Hicham Bilali - guibri, vocals, qraqueb
Ismael Akhraz - vocals, qraqueb
Marwan Abantor - vocals, qraqueb