Seffarine

Born in the enchanting ancient city of Fez, Morocco, vocalist Lamiae Naki and her ensemble Seffarine bring to life the vibrant musical heritage of the Straits of Gibraltar. This historical crossroads, where African, Arabic, and European cultures converge, saw a golden age from the 9th-15th centuries when Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities coexisted harmoniously, producing a rich musical fusion that laid the groundwork for flamenco, North African, classical Arabic, and European Renaissance music.

In the 21st century, Seffarine continues this legacy with a fresh and innovative twist, reconnecting and celebrating these shared Mediterranean roots. Their performances are a breathtaking blend of show-stopping flamenco dance, intricate kamancheh (Persian spike-fiddle) melodies, and gritty Gnawa basslines, all intertwined with Lamiae's mesmerizing vocals, sung in her native Moroccan Arabic. 

Charged with texture and color, Seffarine concerts carry the audience on a vibrant musical journey, channeling the heart-wrenching joy of the music and dance of North Africa and southern Spain to wide acclaim. Described by Bass Player Magazine as a ”gorgeous intersection of Spanish flamenco, Arabic and Andalusian music, Persian classical and jazz.”

Diving deep into the drama and technical prowess that characterizes these traditions, Seffarine invites listeners to hear with fresh ears the age-old conversation that spanned a sea, reminding us of the connections and histories modern identities disguise.