After over eleven years of collaborations with diverse Barraka artists (such as Aisha Kandisha`s Jarring Effects, Ahlam, Azzddine...) and after over 10'000 sold copies of their previous albums „Agdal Reptiles On Majoun“ 1995 and „Al Bharr“ 1998, Youssef El Mejjad and Pat Jabbar finally release their third album „Destination Halal“ under the name of Amira Saqati (Moroccan dialect for „a piece of something“). Far from any „sex & drugs & rock’n’roll“ - party lifestyle attitude, the recordings were made in Marrakech during the spiritual and holy period of Ramadan 2004, under as „Halal“ as possible conditions. Even if music in general became a secondary thing in their lifes, it still remains an important and strong way of expression, to share ideas and convictions. The main message of this album, tries to bring in question the values of our actual way of life. Do we need all these permanent and transitory distractions to get satisfied ? May our passions give us the solution of being happy ? Does materialism and possession save our souls ? What is the definition of freedom ? Did we not get any signs or are we just afraid of facing the hidden truth ... ? The aim of Amira Saqati is not to convince or change anyone, but just to give some possible indications and suggestions...
The music is a fusion of Moroccan Melhoun elements, Shabi, Raï, Gnawa and Oriental styles, melted with Dub, Lounge, Trip Hop and Electronica influences. „Marrakech X-Press“ is a strong Pop track about ruthlessness and betrayal. Deep Bendir beats with a Lotare melody meet heavy Rock riffs and do remind us of Nass El Ghiwane (The Moroccan Rolling Stones from the 70’s). The song „Zouak“, which talks about how easily people go astray, far from their religion and faith, has a Ragga groove with typical Shabi-violin and vocal parts. „Psy Habibi“ even comes in a Progressive Trance, full on the floor, hypnotic way. „The cobra Dance“ is an abstract, experimental soundscape with lots of Ghita-flutes, taking you for a ride direct to the Djema El Fna, the central place in Marrakech. „Imane“ builds up with a Tribal beat and Flamenco guitars, to end in a second part of heavy distortions and rockish riffs. „Hel Aeynik“, what ? did you say „Blue Monday“ or New Order ?, wasnt our intention...lol...
Multi-instrumentalist Yousef El Mejjad did the main vocals on nearly every track, played the Oud, Lotare, Violins, Gembri, Keyboards as the traditional Arabic percussion instruments like Bendir, Tarija, Tbel and Darbuka. Many guest appearances of diverse friends, helped „Destination Halal“ to become a contrasting and multicoloured work. Maybe the most spectacular happnening was, when 18 years old Sana asked the band during a show in Marrakech to play an Oum Keltoum song, so that she could sing over it. Her performance was incredible. She got invited with her friend Fatima-Ezzohra to sing on three tracks. A few month later she participated in a music contest on Moroccan TV channel 2M and succeeded to be under the first five. The French Rap-Duo Illicite & Opium from St.Louis (both immigrants, one from Gambia, the other from Morocco), let their anger flow over the situation in Palestine in track „Falestine“. Casus from Turkish Hip Hop crew Makale, gives his opinion in Turkish on opening track „Madinti“. MY Hassan, memeber of Aisha Kandisha’s Jarring Effects, played the Ney and did some background vocals on tracks „Sabra Dima“ and „Galbi Tabe“. Jamal Farraki, a young music conservatory teacher from Marrakech, played acoustic guitars on „Sans tes Mots“ and „Imane“.
Four musicians on stage will rock the „Destination Halal“ shows at festivals and in clubs. For booking and interviews, contact Barraka now !!!