ABOUT

Mehdi Qamoum (AKA Medicament - Loosely Translated 'The Cure" in French) has enticed the scene by way of Agadir, Morocco circa 1991. With the release of Notable Songs such as 'Dellali' and 'Baba Jalali' he has shown vision and leadership for his craft. Songs such as 'Idda Bihi' intersect his modern sound to sounds of the traditional village voice. Medhi has blended the traditional Gnaoua music with international influences to other inspirations found within Blue, Rock, Jazz and Reggae music. This electric sound of energy along with Mehdi's voice of exceptional range combine to create a very creative genre-bending sound more accurately classified as world music. Early on, Mehdi had been characterized with intersections of family life, spirituality and the African Diaspora. Medhi's mother - a singer - and his great uncle - a maestro - immersed him within the family art of music. His spirituality within traditional Gnaoua helped to shape, hone and inspire his craft of unique sound. His sound continued transformation during his time spent with Jazzaiwya, an artist residency founded by Gnaoua music icon Raoulf Sidine. Through this encounter, Mehdi continued to perfect his sound with the fundamental rhythmic instrument of Gnaoua music, the Guembri and found passion within fusion. The Guembri instrument often compared with sounds of a bass guitar would become an essential addition to this unique sound. Mehdi soon used Guembri Luthier skills to create his own unique four-string electric Guembri instrument. His instrument provides a unique depth, contrast and dynamism for the listener and the full sound culminates intersections behind spirituality, social justice, Moroccan heritage and living life within the African Diaspora. His album, Medicament was released to regional and international acclaim. Now, his electrifying and pulsating sound finds enjoyment to people all over the globe. His pioneering has lead to collaborations with some great artists from around the world. An artist within his own right, "Medicamen" has been invited to play festivals within his home country and Internationally. Mehdi Qamoum is a member of 1Beat, a US - Based music program that recognizes musical leaders of the 21st Century from around the world.