Aziza Brahim

Aziza Brahim grew up in the Saharawi refugee camps in Algeria, where she found strength in her displaced community. From a young age, music became her way of coping and expressing resistance. At 11, she went to Cuba to study, but after finishing high school, she returned to the camps to pursue her passion for music on her own.

Her talent soon blossomed, winning the National Song Contest in 1995 and leading to international tours with the National Saharawi Music Group and the Leyoad band. Settling in Spain in 2000, Brahim's career took off with collaborations and the formation of her band, Gulili Mankoo, which fused Saharawi sounds with rock, funk, and blues.

Her breakthrough came with the release of Soutak (2014) and Abbar el Hamada (2016), both topping the World Music Charts Europe. With her distinctive blend of traditional and modern sounds, she has been celebrated as a powerful voice for Saharawi culture. Her 2019 album Sahari pushed the boundaries further, combining roots with electronic music, and earned her widespread critical acclaim.

Brahim's latest album, Mawja (2024), is a deeply personal statement born from collective struggles, continuing to resonate with global audiences. On stage, her ensemble  captures the essence of the desert's spirit, blending Saharawi tradition with the improvisational energy of jazz.

Aziza Brahim's music is not just a reflection of her roots but a universal call for freedom and identity.