| Hoba Hoba Spirit | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Origin | Casablanca, Morocco |
| Genres | Gnawa, Rock, Reggae |
| Years active | 1998 – present |
| Labels | Hayha Music Division Hot Lunch Records |
| Website | Official website |
| Members | |
| Reda Allali (lead vocals/guitar) Anouar Zehouani (vocals/guitar) Adil Hanine (drums) Saad Bouidi (bass) Othmane Hmimar (vocals/percussion) Abssamad Bourhim (backline/guitar) |
|
| Past members | |
| Mohamed Laâbidi | |
Hoba Hoba Spirit is a musical fusion band based in Casablanca, Morocco that was formed in 1998.[1] It is composed of Adil Hanine (drummer), Anouar Zehouani (guitarist), Saâd Bouidi (Bass guitar), Reda Allali - (vocalist and guitarist) and Othmane Hmimar(percussionist). The name of the group is based on a song by Bob Marley.[2]
Hoba Hoba Spirit's musical style mixes Rock, Reggae and Gnawa. They refer to their music as "Hayha". Their lyrics are mostly in Darija (Moroccan Arabic dialect), French and sometimes English. Recurring themes in their songs are the disorientation and confusion of young Moroccans.
A notable duo of Hoba Hoba Spirit was with Moroccan rapper Bigg in a single called "goulou bazz", which was a huge success. Bigg also appeared on the track "Baz" from the album Trabando.
Since 2003, the band has emerged as one of the most popular rock acts in Morocco, frequently playing the country's major festivals, such as the Mawazine Festival in Rabat, L'Boulevard Tremblin in Casablanca, Timitar Festival in Agadir, and the Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira.
During the 2007 Mghrib Music Award, Hoba Hoba Spirit won three awards in the categories of "best fusion artist, best album for "Trabando", released in 2007, and best title for the song "Fhamator."[3]