Skin by Hamsa Lila

Infusing elements of hip-hop/spoken word as well as ritual dance, Hamsa Lila earned its stripes as venerable force within the world music genre, and has been recognized as a pioneer in world fusion, singing in 13 languages, alongside hypnotic polyrhythms led by ultra tight South African kit drummer Inx Herman (who’s backed Paul Simon, Sting, Hugh Masakela, Vusi Mahlasela), and mesmerizing vocals shared by velvet voiced Nikila Badua and soulful Deja Solis, along with the core tribal resonance of MJ Greenmountain on simultaneous male lead vocals and percussion. The three singers converge harmoniously to make the blend swoon-worthy. The bottom pulse of Hamsa Lila comes from the Gnawa bass like lute called the ‘sinter’, played by Vir McCoy. This goat-gut stringed, camel-skinned ’bass’ has a deep punchy tone delivery that helps give Hamsa Lila’s unique sound. When the repetition of the trance melody is added to this equation by another Moroccan, goat-gut stringed, goat skinned lute called the ‘Guimbri’, played by Brett, Beryl Jacobson, the group produces a sound that is wholly their own: a potent healing salve of electro-organic roots, hypno-grooves, and other-worldly melodies. When punctuated with the multi-instrumental talents of Evan Fraser (who is half of the hugely popular world beat band Dirtwire), on flutes, synths, nogoni, kalimbas, jawharps, and percussion, Hamsa Lila rounds out to be the tidal wave of divine sounds and rhythms.

Instruments from Morocco create resonant grooves that spiral around West African drums, while ethereal Flutes, Worldwinds and the impassioned soul waking sounds of the Saxophone weave through powerful male and female vocal chants and lush harmonies. The Songs contain mesmerizing and trance inducing rhythms and melodies, producing and atmosphere of Euphoria.

Their music is a blend of exotic world trance and Moroccan grooves. It is original ensemble with a kaleidoscopic world-beat perspective that will make you dance. Hamsa Lila has a winning combination of world beats and inner soul searching rhythms. Their music spreads across the globe and guarantees to hypnotize the mind and set the spirit alive.

Hamsa Lila hit the West Coast music scene hard back in 2001 with their infectious ‘world trance grooves’ & earned instant ‘cult status’ following with their memorable performances, rich in traditional influences from Morocco, West Africa, Brazil, India, the Caribbean & others, w strong emphasis on Gnawa and Yoruba flavors. At once, they became known for marathon dusk-to-dawn non-stop performances.