M'allem Sam (Mohammed Zourhbat)

Biography

Eldest dean of the Casablanca-school (Mersaoui / 'of the port') Gnawa, often credited with initiating the new Casablanca interpretation from the late 1940s onward. Born in Marrakech to a court poet from Houara (Ouled Teima); initiated at age 7 by Ba' Marjam, virgin priestess of the palace harem. Apprenticed under Majub Ould Rhennamia and Belkhir at the palace of Rabat, then — after a teenage dream in which Ba' Marjam appeared holding a wooden log shaped as a guembri — undertook a pilgrimage of the Gnawa brotherhoods, studying with M'allem Driss Khaouaj (Meknès), Ba' B'lali (Fez), Samba (Safi), Bou Salem (Essaouira) and Hajj Houira. Settled in Casablanca after marriage in the late 1950s; the Mersaoui style he shaped is characterised by ornamental zouag and the rapid playing pace of the city. Co-led the Lila ritual recorded on the Al Sur 'Maîtres du Guembri' / 'Suites du Rouge & du Vert' release (Vol. IV) with M'allem Hmidah.

Lineage

• Initiated by Ba' Marjam (priestess, palace of Marrakech)
• Apprenticed under Majub Ould Rhennamia and Belkhir (palace of Rabat)
• Studied with M'allem Driss Khaouaj (Meknès), Ba' B'lali (Fez), Samba (Safi), Bou Salem (Essaouira), Hajj Houira
• Final apprenticeship with Mohammed Zoutini (mid-1950s)