Pique-nique Recordings are proud to present Innov Gnawa - 'Aicha', a limited 12-inch from the new label, featuring four traditional pieces, performed by Innov Gnawa and mixed and produced by Dave Harrington (Darkside).

There is perhaps no group that better illustrates the beauty of Gnawa music than Innov Gnawa. Having grown up and studied Gnawa music in Morocco individually, fate brought each musician separately to New York City, where they met and formed a band around the Master - Mâalem Hassan Ben Jaâfer. As Innov Gnawa, they began carrying the torch of this uniquely Moroccan music tradition with rich pan-African roots. All Gnawa music has a role to fulfil in the healing ritual called the "Lila", which means "Night" in Arabic.

A "Lila" can last for more than 12 hours, and is usually conducted in intimate gatherings, for the purpose of creating a safe place for people to reach a trance-like state, and connect with their ancestral spirits. Innov Gnawa are the only New York-based Gnawa band who play regularly and still remain true to the traditions of this ancient ritual.

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TRACKLISTING:
1. Chalaba

2. Baniya

3. Lalla - Aicha

4. Youbati - Boulila

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Released March 30, 2018

Produced by Dave Harrington
Hand-drawn artwork by Sophie Bass