Maâlem Abderrahman Paca
“Paco”
- 📍
- Essaouira
- ·
- 1948–2012
AI illustration
Biography
Born Abderrahman Kirouche in Essaouira; nicknamed 'Paco' and reportedly called 'the doctor of spirits' by Jimi Hendrix. Initiated as a child by Essaouira's master musicians, became maâlem in 1964. Member of Jil Jilala and then of the legendary Nass El Ghiwane, where his Gnawa rhythms gave the group its African dimension. Five gold records, ~80 songs across 26 albums. Died on Sunday 14 October 2012 in Essaouira after a long illness, aged 64; buried the same day in his native city.
Lineage
- Born in Essaouira, initiated by local maâlems
- Maâlem from 1964