Hamid El Kasri

Hamid (Faraji)El Kasri (; born 1961) is a Moroccan Gnawa musician traditionally considered a maâlem , or "master musician". Born in Ksar El Kebir, Morocco, he now lives in Rabat. His last name is an artist name simply meaning "from Ksar El Kebir". He began training at age seven, taught by the Tangier Maâlem Abdelouahed Stitou and Maâlem Alouane initially in the special Chemeli or Northern style of Gnawa music, which is distinctly different from the usual styles of Marrakech. El Kasri is famed for his deep, intense voice, which has made him one of the most sought-after maâlems, both in Morocco and abroad. In addition to singing, he performs on the guembri , a three-stringed bass instrument. He is noted for having blended the Gnawa rhythms of the north and south of the Morocco.

Performances and Collaborations Having made a name for himself outside Morocco, El Kasri performs regularly with foreign musicians.

In 2018, El Kasri performed with Jacob Collier at the BBC Proms, as a part of Prom 7. Later that year, he was featured on Collier's album Djesse Vol. 1, appearing on the song "Everlasting Motion".