Together, they explore the rich musical traditions of Morocco – from the trance-like rhythms of gnawa to the melodic and poetic power of Amazigh music – blending these influences with the adventurous spirit of jazz.

Following the success of their debut album Naamu (2023)—which garnered critical acclaim in publications such as Songlines and Jazzism and received an Edison Award nomination in the ‘Global’ category—the band led by bassist and composer Teun Creemers is embarking on an exciting new chapter. Building on previous collaborations with West African luminaries like Kankou Kouyaté and Harouna Samaké, Naamu is now shifting its focus to Southern Morocco through a new partnership with Aziz Ozouss, a renowned Moroccan artist deeply rooted in the Amazigh musical tradition.

The first collaborative album from Naamu ft. Aziz Ozouss, recorded at Hiba Studio in Casablanca, is set for release in October 2026 on the internationally renowned One World Records label. Together, the musicians explore the boundaries between jazz and the rich musical heritage of Southern Morocco. Their compositions inhabit a unique sonic landscape: neither pure jazz nor Gnawa, but a distinct musical language where these influences converge and transform into a new, cohesive sound.

Aziz Ozouss brings profound knowledge of styles such as Rwaiss and Isemgan, alongside a masterful command of traditional instruments like the ribab and lotar. His role serves as an essential bridge between tradition and contemporary music, significantly enriching the band’s expansive sound.

Expanding on their previous work, Naamu continues to delve into North African musical traditions during this tour, marking a new milestone in their ongoing quest for cross-cultural musical exchange.

(NL)

Na het succes van het debuutalbum Naamu (2023), dat lovende kritieken ontving in onder meer Songlines en Jazzism en werd genomineerd voor een Edison Award in de categorie Global, start de band rond bassist en componist Teun Creemers een nieuw hoofdstuk. Na eerdere samenwerkingen met West-Afrikaanse grootheden als Kankou Kouyaté en Harouna Samaké, verlegt Naamu de focus naar Zuid-Marokko door een nieuwe samenwerking met Aziz Ozouss aan te gaan. Ozouss is een gerenommeerde Marokkaanse artiest die diep geworteld is in Amazigh-muziektraditie.

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