Naamu ft. Aziz Ozouss is an exciting collaboration between the band Naamu and Moroccan multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Aziz Ozouss. 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.
Naamu developed a strong connection with West African musical traditions through their widely praised 2023 debut album, which featured Malian artists such as vocalist Kankou Kouyaté and kamale n’goni player Harouna Samaké. Building on this experience, the band turned their focus toward Morocco, leading to a new phase of artistic exchange in Agadir in early 2025.
Guided by Aziz Ozouss, the musicians immersed themselves in local traditions, learning directly from Amazigh and gnawa musicians through collaboration, rehearsal, and shared performance. These encounters – with both established masters and a new generation of artists – sparked a strong artistic connection and a shared desire to develop a new musical language together.
Aziz Ozouss, rooted in the musical traditions of southern Morocco, brings a deep understanding of Amazigh heritage, shaped by styles such as Rwaiss and Isemgan and the expressive sound of instruments like the ribab and lutar. His role within the project forms a vital bridge between tradition and contemporary exploration.
In October 2026, Naamu ft. Aziz Ozouss will release their first album together, recorded at Hiba Studio in Casablanca. The music does not aim to simply fuse genres, but instead creates a distinct sonic world – neither purely jazz, nor gnawa, nor Amazigh – but a unique and personal journey where these musical identities meet, transform, and evolve.
Line-up:
Aziz Ozouss – vocals, rebab, violin, guitar, lothar
Jelle Roozenburg – guitar, lothar
Tuur Moens – drums
Teun Creemers – bass guitar
