Transe Gnawa Express is an artistic creation that fuses Gnawa traditional music with electronic sounds and live visual projections, delivering a festive trance experience. The electronic elements bring a hypnotic intensity to an already powerful art form rooted in North African spiritual tradition.
The Gnawa side of the project is led by Hamouda Benzaid, Amine Bassi and Ahmed Labnoua — three musicians and dancers from Essaouira and its renowned festival, long experienced in cross-genre musical collaborations. Their search for a generational encounter brought them to the duo Samifati, who have been travelling and performing internationally for over ten years.
The duo Samifati is represented by Sami Fatih on violin and machines. Visual creation is handled by Axel Vanlerberghe, adding a mesmerising scenic dimension to the performance.
The event takes place on Sunday 20 September 2026 at 19:30 at the Théâtre Jean-Claude Carrière in Montpellier, as part of the Festival Arabesques.
Lineup
Samifati
Samifati leads Transe Gnawa Express, a concert experience rooted in Morocco's Gnawa tradition, where hypnotic guembri rhythms, call-and-response vocals, and spiritual trance meet modern influences. Expect an immersive, energetic evening ideal for travelers seeking authentic live music and cultural discovery.
Transe Gnawa Express
Transe Gnawa Express blends the hypnotic rhythms of Moroccan Gnawa with modern, groove-driven sounds. Paired with Samifati in concert, expect trance-inducing percussion, deep bass lines and spiritual energy. A memorable night for world music lovers seeking something immersive and authentic.
Hamouda Benzaid
Hamouda Benzaid is a musician rooted in Gnawa traditions, and he is associated with the Samifati & Transe Gnawa Express concert. Visitors can expect hypnotic rhythms, call-and-response vocals, and a spiritual, trance-inspired atmosphere that makes this a memorable cultural highlight.
Amine Bassi
Amine Bassi is a Moroccan-rooted musician and a name to look for at Samifati & Transe Gnawa Express. This event brings together gnawa's hypnotic rhythms, trance-inducing chants and contemporary sounds, giving visitors a lively, soulful introduction to one of Morocco's most treasured musical traditions.
Ahmed Labnoua
Ahmed Labnoua is a Gnawa musician featured in Samifati & Transe Gnawa Express, a concert celebrating Morocco's spiritual musical tradition. Expect hypnotic guembri rhythms, call-and-response vocals, and trance-inducing grooves, an immersive cultural experience for visitors seeking authentic Moroccan sound.
Sami Fatih
Sami Fatih is a musician and creative force behind Samifati & Transe Gnawa Express, a concert blending the hypnotic rhythms of Moroccan Gnawa with modern, trance-inspired sounds. Expect rich percussion, soulful chants, and an immersive atmosphere that offers a vivid taste of living musical heritage.
Location