Innov Gnawa, a Grammy-nominated musical group of Moroccan expats, announce their debut album with Daptone Records, LILA, to be released on April 30th. The NYC-based group makes Gnawa music, a spiritual tradition rooted in Morocco’s ancient history. Not unlike the blues in the American south, Gnawa music is revered throughout Morocco as treasured indigenous soul music. Lila, which also means “night”, is a traditional ceremony in which the group dedicates an evening of healing through music. This all-night rhythm fest is a spiritual ritual that cleanses the body, mind, and spirit. We invite you to immerse yourself in Lila. Experience the freedom, liberation, and the power of healing through music. You’re are not alive if this music doesn’t move you.
The album was produced by Daptone co-founder and Gnawa enthusiast Gabriel Roth, who first heard about the ensemble after seeing them perform at a mutual friend’s event. Roth invited the group to record at the Daptone House of Soul, which resulted in a five-hour plus session and an album’s worth of material all in one take. Listen to the first single “Chorfa” below.