Gnawa Trance Fusion

Information

Free Entry, By Donation: We think it's important to offer free music and culture to the Edinburgh communities who may not be able to afford it. We always pay our performers and largely rely on donations to maintain these shows. Please consider donating £5 to £10 on the day of the show if you are able :)

About the band:

Gnawa Trance Fusion (GTF) is a Scotland-based music project led by Moroccan-born musician Omar Afif since 2014. The band blends the spiritual, trance-inducing rhythms of traditional Gnawa music whose sound bridges traditional Gnawa music with Afro-funk, blues, jazz, electronic, psychedelic, and even Scottish folk. Centred around the deep, resonant
sound of the guembri, their performances combine intricate rhythms and call-and-response vocals to create a powerful, immersive live experience.

The group has performed across the UK, introducing audiences to the rich cultural heritage of Gnawa Music while reimagining it through a contemporary, cross-genre lens.

Together, the members of GTF weave a musical tapestry that traverses’ continents and centuries, merging the ancient sounds of North Africa with the vibrant musical currents of Europe and beyond. Their collective backgrounds—rooted in the traditions of Morocco, Uganda and Scotland bring a unique richness to the band’s compositions, where improvisation and collaboration are central.

With each concert and project, Gnawa Trance Fusion continues to build bridges between cultures, demonstrating the power of music to transcend boundaries and foster understanding. Their work stands as a testament to the creative possibilities that emerge when tradition meets innovation, and when artists open themselves to the energy and wisdom of multiple worlds.

Venue Info

Pianodrome Bruntsfield is at The St.Oswald's Center at 41 Montpelier Place in Bruntsfield, Edinburgh EH10 4NB, just parallel to the main street and next to the primary school. It has an accessible entrance and an accessible toilet. Please get in touch if there is anything else you'd like to ask or tell us prior to your visit.