Nashwa

Description

Nashwa was born from the collaboration between Moroccan singer-songwriter Ghizlane Melih and producer-percussionist Alix Pilot. The project's name, derived from Arabic, means "euphoria," "ecstasy," or "trance"—a definition that perfectly encapsulates their artistic approach. Together, they create organic, global bass music at the crossroads of Moroccan folklore and contemporary electronic music. Drawing from traditions such as Gnawa, Aïta, and Dakka Marrakchia, Nashwa elevates these heritages to revive their memory and offer a resolutely modern interpretation. Ghizlane’s lyricism pays homage to great Arab voices like Oum Kalthoum, Ismahane, Fayrouz, and Naima Samih, while also drawing inspiration from traditional Moroccan women’s songs. Nashwa’s universe is also influenced by Anglo-Saxon electronic music, from trip-hop to dubstep, in the vein of Massive Attack, Mala, and Asian Dub Foundation, as well as the current Arab electro scene embodied by Ammar 808, Nuri, and Acid Arab. The meeting point of all these influences is dance and trance—a timeless space where rave culture dialogues with tradition. After a remarkable tour in the summer of 2025 and several notable collaborations, Nashwa unveils their eponymous debut album, *Nashwa*, a nine-track record that is syncretic, powerful, and liberating, offering a true gateway into a universe that fuses past and future.