Mohamed Zourbat (Maâlem Sam)

محمد زرباط المعلم سام (Known as "Maâlem Sam")

Gnawa Master of Casablanca, Guembri Pioneer

Born c. 1930

Casablanca (Derb Ghalef), Morocco

Passed Away 2002 Casablanca, Morocco

Lifespan 72 years old

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Notice / Correction

"The iron qraqeb clap and the strings vibrate, clearing darkness with sacred sound."

Archival Overview

Revered Gnawa master of Casablanca whose lightning-fast guembri ornamentation and mastery of the 240 sacred liturgical songs influenced the modern urban Gnawa revival.

Biographical Record

Mohamed Zourbat, known universally as Maâlem Sam, was the cornerstone of Gnawa culture in Casablanca. Operating out of Derb Ghalef and Ancienne Medina, he was renowned for his technical brilliance on the guembri and deep knowledge of therapeutic ritual suites (Mluk).

He collaborated with Western jazz musicians and Moroccan popular bands in the 1970s and 1980s, playing a critical role in bringing Gnawa spiritual music onto international festival stages.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Al-Chouhada Cemetery
Casablanca, Morocco

                         GPS: 33.5859, -7.5859                    

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