All Of It Podcast Summary: "Imal Gnawa Performs (Get Lit)"

Release Date: May 9, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Atlas Phoenix, Frontman of Imal Gnawa
Broadcast: Weekdays, 12:00 - 2:00 PM on WNYC

Introduction

In the May 9, 2025 episode of WNYC’s All Of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes listeners to an enriching exploration of cultural fusion through music. The episode spotlights Imal Gnawa, a pioneering local band led by Atlas Phoenix, known for their unique blend of traditional Moroccan Gnawa music with modern technology and futuristic elements. This episode coincided with the April Get Lit with All Of It Book Club event, featuring author Leila Lalamy, who requested contemporary Moroccan artistry for the evening.

Introducing Imal Gnawa

Alison Stewart opens the episode by introducing Imal Gnawa, highlighting their recent debut EP released in January. She expresses excitement about the band's participation in the event and sets the stage for an engaging conversation with Atlas Phoenix. Stewart mentions the significance of having contemporary Moroccan artists in the program, aiming to bridge traditional cultural expressions with modern creative ventures.

“Imal Gnawa is a local band led by Atlas Phoenix. They blend traditional Moroccan Gnawa music with modern technology and futurist ideas.”
— Alison Stewart [00:29]

Live Performance: "Mimouna"

The episode transitions into a live performance segment featuring Imal Gnawa performing their song "Mimouna." Atlas Phoenix introduces the piece, explaining its deep cultural roots:

“Mimouna is a Jewish female, Moroccan Jewish female saint and also a holiday, Jewish holiday.”
— Atlas Phoenix [01:01]

"Mimouna" is depicted as a vibrant tradition celebrated by various communities in Morocco, including the Jewish community. The performance aims to evoke the trance rhythms characteristic of Gnawa music, which Atlas describes as “ancient psychiatry” predating modern psychiatric practices. The traditional elements are enhanced with sci-fi inspired synthesizers, creating a seamless integration of past and future.

Understanding Gnawa Music and Its Instruments

Following the performance, Alison Stewart engages in an insightful interview with Atlas Phoenix, delving deeper into the technical and cultural aspects of Gnawa music. One focal point is the Gimbri, a traditional string instrument central to Gnawa ensembles.

“Gimbri is this great grandmother of bass and ... it's where bass, bass, guitar evolved from.”
— Atlas Phoenix [08:36]

Atlas elaborates on the Gimbri’s historical significance, tracing its origins from sub-Saharan Africa to Morocco, and its evolution into the modern bass guitar. He highlights the instrument’s foundational role in the rhythmic and melodic structure of Gnawa music.

Symbolism of Colors in Gnawa Music

A particularly intriguing discussion arises around the use of colors to represent different spirits within Gnawa traditions. Atlas explains how each color corresponds to a collection of songs embodying ancient spirits, often interpreted as gods and goddesses from a millennium-old oral tradition.

“Gnawa music goes by spirits and colors. Each color has a collection of songs... they represent ancient spirits.”
— Atlas Phoenix [09:15]

He further describes how these colors and spirits facilitate a form of spiritual mediation during performances, where music serves as a bridge between the physical world and the spiritual realm, aiding in healing and communal cohesion.

Balancing Tradition and Technology

A core theme of the episode is the band’s innovative approach to blending traditional Gnawa elements with contemporary technology. Alison probes into how Imal Gnawa maintains this balance, reflecting the broader discourse on preserving cultural heritage while embracing modernity.

“I think everything is connected and it's just about like what fits.”
— Atlas Phoenix [10:35]

Atlas explains that their music is a natural progression of their studies and creative experiments. He notes that their first album was a solo project with synthesizers, followed by a collaborative effort with vocalists, and their upcoming album with a guest musician, Malem. This evolution underscores their commitment to exploring new sonic landscapes while honoring their Gnawa roots.

Future Directions for Imal Gnawa

When discussing future plans, Atlas conveys a philosophy centered on musical experimentation and communal healing. The band aims to continue evolving their sound, fostering a space where both band members and listeners can find solace and connection through music.

“We heal ourselves first and then anybody that vibrates with this vibe can also get the benefit.”
— Atlas Phoenix [11:12]

This approach emphasizes the therapeutic and unifying power of music, aligning with the traditional role of Gnawa music in facilitating spiritual and emotional well-being.

Live Performance: "Giles"

The episode resumes with a second live performance, featuring the song "Giles." Atlas provides context for the piece, linking it to Arabic literature and the figure of Gileli (Giuliani), a bohemian spiritual marabout who established a Sufi sect in North Africa after migrating from Baghdad.

“Gileli is... a bohemian spiritual marabout. ... Moroccans sing songs about him.”
— Atlas Phoenix [11:32]

"Giles" continues the theme of intertwining traditional narratives with contemporary interpretations, showcasing Imal Gnawa’s ability to honor historical figures while infusing their music with modern influences.

Closing Remarks

Alison Stewart concludes the episode by thanking Imal Gnawa for their performances and insights. She underscores the show's mission to explore and celebrate diverse cultural expressions, fostering a community where varied perspectives enrich the cultural tapestry of New York City.

“That was a live performance from the band Imal Gnawa from our April Get Lit with All Of It Book Club event. And that is all of it for today.”
— Alison Stewart [17:04]

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It masterfully showcases the fusion of tradition and innovation through Imal Gnawa’s music. By blending ancient Gnawa rhythms with futuristic technology, Atlas Phoenix and his band not only preserve cultural heritage but also push the boundaries of contemporary music. The discussions on the spiritual significance of colors in Gnawa music and the balance between tradition and modernity provide profound insights into the band’s artistic vision. For listeners seeking a deep dive into the cultural dynamics shaping modern music, this episode offers a compelling and enlightening experience.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “Imal Gnawa is a local band led by Atlas Phoenix. They blend traditional Moroccan Gnawa music with modern technology and futurist ideas.”
  — Alison Stewart [00:29]

• “Mimouna is a Jewish female, Moroccan Jewish female saint and also a holiday, Jewish holiday.”
  — Atlas Phoenix [01:01]

• “Gimbri is this great grandmother of bass and ... it's where bass, bass, guitar evolved from.”
  — Atlas Phoenix [08:36]

• “Gnawa music goes by spirits and colors. Each color has a collection of songs... they represent ancient spirits.”
  — Atlas Phoenix [09:15]

• “I think everything is connected and it's just about like what fits.”
  — Atlas Phoenix [10:35]

• “We heal ourselves first and then anybody that vibrates with this vibe can also get the benefit.”
  — Atlas Phoenix [11:12]

• “Gileli is... a bohemian spiritual marabout. ... Moroccans sing songs about him.”
  — Atlas Phoenix [11:32]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the "Imal Gnawa Performs (Get Lit)" episode, providing a detailed account of the discussions, performances, and cultural insights shared by Alison Stewart and Atlas Phoenix.