Death of Maestro Mustafa Baqbou, Star of Gnawa Music, at 72
On Monday, September 8, Maestro Mustafa Baqbou, a prominent figure in Gnawa music, passed away at the age of 72.
The news was announced by the “Yirma” Association through a post on its official Facebook page, stating: “We received the news of the passing of the great maestro Mustafa Baqbou with profound sorrow and grief.”
The association added that the late Baqbou was an active member within the organization and one of the main pillars of the “Gnawa and World Music” festival in Essaouira, where he was a consistent and powerful presence throughout its various editions since its inception.
The association emphasized that Baqbou represented a significant cultural and artistic reference for both them and the festival’s audience, embodying the authenticity of this ancient art form. They noted that his passing represents a great loss to the Moroccan artistic and cultural scene, especially for Gnawa music. He was a revered teacher, beloved brother, and a refined individual known for his humility, generosity, and authenticity.
The association concluded its post by offering heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and his audience.
