WELCOME
To Liberation Music
A project created in late 2024 by Jake Hakus and international associates such as Ilyass Rchouk of Morrocco; Proffessional Musician, Sound Technition and Gnawa enthusiast, Denbo Jobarteh of Gambia; Griole, Korah Master and teacher, Bubakarr Keita of Senegal; Djembe Master and Sandro Pimentel Barros of Cabo Verde; Guitar Master, historian and educator.
We organise journeys to the homelands of these masters and bring our clients into contact with them in order to provide a unique experience in which participants can ask any questions they feel as well as recieve direct tuition from true masters and receive unique and authentically sourced information.
Currently we are predominantly focused in West Africa due to it's direct connection with the history of slavery and its rich musical culture. However our intention is to eventually replicate these experiences around the globe.
The aim of this project is to connect and collaborate musicians and music-lovers from around the globe. We showcase true masters in the craft of traditional musics, that have withstood the tides of time, colonialism and slavery. Liberation music is about connecting to the spirit of these musics that withstood such harsh oppression and survive to this day in people with stories to tell and great histories informing thier performance and preservation of traditional musics, bringing these ancient stories and the connection of the music of our ancestors forward into the future.
We believe that through understanding and participating in the ongoing story of these rich and soulful musics, we ourselves will also recognise a deeper part of who we are as humans and “Liberate” ourselves in our exploration of new ideas, new musics and history not commonly shared in western interperetations.
Tagharat
Tagharat means “The Road” in the Tamasheq Toureg dialect.
The traditional music of the Amizign nomadic peoples of Morocco is what we in the west call Desert blues.
Now often credited to be the origins of the American blues. The musicians combine chanting and drone notes with a unique style of guitar playing to invoke the sounds of the desert.
We will spend the first part of our journey with daily sessions with a Desert Blues band, while staying at the Marwa Residence in Ourzazette. Then we will attend the Zamane traditional music festival in Mhamid El Ghizlane, a remote corner of the desert. This year celebrating it’s 4th year showcasing a great diversity of Morrocan tradition. Focusing on Ganga Heritage, A southeastern subsect of Gnawa Traditions.
The intention of our journeys with Liberation Music is always to create cross cultural understanding and sharing of information.
We focus on cultural enrichment and education.
We are excited to present this next edition for November 10-17th 2025
We have only 10 positions for this journey. To confirm your interest and reserve a position
contact us.
We will require a deposit by September to reserve your place, however prices are still being negotiated and confirmed.
Yo Badi
YO BADI
Journey to the Heart of Gnawa
Yo Badi means "Bless You" Embark into a life changing journey of understanding and immersion into the living beating heart of Moroccan tradition, Gnawa music.
Gnawa is a music style originating from slaves brought from central Africa to work in the palace of the king of Morrocco during the 1800s.
The music itself carries the sounds and spirit of the struggle of the performers; also called Gnawa's, and tells their story of praise and dedication to Allah despite their desperate situation and the hardship they endured.
In October 2024 a group of music enthusiasts embarked on a journey to discover the heart and soul of Gnawa music.
Maâlem Si Mohammed Ouled L'Abdi
A living legend
One of our masters on this journey was the great Maâlem Si Mohammed Ouled L'Abdi, one of the most authentic and Original Gnawa's alive today.
We were able to spend time with him one on one, discovering the story and spirituality of Gnawa as he inhereted it from his Grandmother, A first generation Gnawa.
This legend played with Hendrix and has carried the tradition of his heritage throught the last generation, he continues to preserve and share the true living story of his ancestors and spending time with him in this scenario was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
