Jouwala Collective

Jouwala Collective derives it’s magic from the many layers of influences that make up this sonic mosaic of deeply rooted traditional music and this generations undeniable hunger for groove. At the heart is Ismail Bouzidoune, a Master Gimbre player from Casablanca, Morocco and the creative force leading this band of gifted collaborators. This seamless blending of time-honored Gnawa music with contemporary and global styles creates a full-sensory experience that holds you in a trance one moment and compels you to dance the next. but that’s the magic of Jouwala Collective – they bring it all back home into One sound, tastefully and naturally.

Eerie Synth notes create a soft background over which are laid tribal tones of instruments from a world away (Ismail’s Gimbri, Abe’s Loutar and Kevin’s tablas) resulting in an atmosphere of spiritual healing. Incredibly fast, dynamic Drum rhythms keep your feet moving while the overall sound holds you in a dreamlike trance. Electric guitars and Rock themes interweave so that the mood, and the room, can be trance-formed immediately and without warning.

In their time together, Jouwala Collective has performed with internationally celebrated Drummie Zeb, Jeff Franca of Thievery Corporation and successfully supported The Wailers, Dopapod, Pimps of joy time, Turkuaz, People’s blues of Richmond and The Mantras. They have aired on Radio Mogador, WRIR Richmond, Jam and Radio Rubber Room, as well as being featured in RVA Magazine, Jamwish magazine, Fusicology. The group draws inspiration and musical influence from Hmida Boussou, Fela Kuti, Medeski Martin & Wood, Snarky Puppy, and Miles Davis to name a few. The band is private party to any venue from festival stage, to packed music house to seated concert halls. They have even showcased their music at International Embassies.