Podcast Summary: "Morocco's Bab L'Bluz Perform Live" – All Of It with Alison Stewart

Release Date: April 23, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Yusra Mansour and Bryce Potin of Baba Blues
Performance: Live in WNYC Performance Studio

Introduction to Baba Blues and Their Latest Album

In this vibrant episode of ALL OF IT, host Alison Stewart welcomes listeners to a live performance by the Moroccan psychedelic rock band Baba Blues. The band is currently touring the United States following the release of their latest album, "Swakin". Alison introduces the band members and sets the stage for an engaging conversation about their music and cultural influences.

Alison Stewart [00:38]: "I'm Alison Stewart and we are live now in the WNYC performance studio with Moroccan psychedelic rock band Baba Blues."

Performance of "Ila Meta"

The episode kicks off with Baba Blues performing "Ila Meta", a track from their first record. Yusra Mansour explains that this song remains a staple in their performances despite being from an earlier album.

Yusra Mansour [01:11]: "We were going to play Ila Meta. This is like the only song that we perform from the first record instead of the latest one."

The performance showcases the band’s unique blend of traditional North African instruments with modern psychedelic rock elements.

Crafting Unique Instruments

Post-performance, Alison delves into the distinctive instruments used by the band. Yusra Mansour elaborates on the handmade instruments that Baba Blues employs, combining traditional sounds with innovative design.

Yusra Mansour [08:23]: "It's a handmade instrument especially for the band because we wanted to put two instruments in one... The upper one is the awisha, and the second one is the mandol with quarter tunes."

Bryce Potin adds details about his instrument, an electric version of the Gambri, which allows the band to maintain a power trio setup without a traditional bass.

Bryce Potin [09:09]: "It's kind like Gambri from Morocco, but it's a solid body one because the idea of the band was to do like a power trio but to replace the bass by the electric Gambri."

Songwriting Process and Themes of "Ila Meta"

Alison inquires about the band’s songwriting process, to which Yusra responds that music typically precedes lyrics. This approach allows them to let the melodies inspire the themes of their songs.

Yusra Mansour [09:47]: "Mostly it's the music. And when you have the music, you can start to have like top lines for singing."

Discussing "Ila Meta", Yusra highlights the song's celebration of diversity and cultural sharing as a means to foster unity and understanding.

Yusra Mansour [10:09]: "It was about diversity, about how beautiful it is to be from different backgrounds and to share these differences and to celebrate these differences."

Introducing the Full Band

Alison introduces the remaining members of Baba Blues, bringing depth to the discussion by acknowledging their diverse talents.

Alison Stewart [10:49]: "Rhys, will you introduce us to the rest of the band?"

Bryce Potin: "Yes, with pleasure. For you, ladies and gentlemen, Moolay Isham, percussion and flute from Agadir... And on the drum, ladies and gentlemen, Moolah Ibrahim Lubogos, drums and backing vocal."

Performance of "Imazirn" and Its Significance

The band performs "Imazirn", a song addressing the tensions between Amazigh and Arabic-speaking populations in North Africa. Yusra explains the song as a reflection on identity crises and the importance of recognizing shared humanity over cultural conflicts.

Yusra Mansour [11:12]: "It's about like a conflict between the people who speak Amazigh and people speak Arabic... we are all Amezir and even if we have something from outside, that's beautiful also."

Exploring the Meaning of "Swakin" and Recording Influences

Alison shifts the conversation to the album's title, "Swakin", inviting Yusra to explain its dual meaning related to possession and transcendental experiences through music.

Yusra Mansour [16:37]: "Swakin actually means possessions... and it also means getting into a trance, deeper than trance, like opening or getting into another dimension."

The band shares insights into their creative process, recording their album across various international locations, including Australia, France, Tunisia, and the UK. This nomadic approach infused their music with diverse cultural vibrations and positivity.

Yusra Mansour [17:34]: "We were actually on the road and we were touring... We recorded finally in Box at the Real World studio in the UK."

Performance of "Iwai Wafang" and Reflections on Mortality

Baba Blues concludes their set with "Iwai Wafang", a poignant song that contemplates mortality and the universal equality in death. Yusra shares a touching anecdote about witnessing joyful funerals in Togo, emphasizing the beauty in celebrating life regardless of its impermanence.

Yusra Mansour [18:28]: "It's just talking about how life is not eternal... we should celebrate the memories of each person that is with us because... we have like the same end, all of us."

Yusra Mansour [19:00]: "People celebrate funerals like weddings, they dance... it was very touching."

Conclusion

Alison wraps up the episode by thanking Yusra and Bryce for their insightful performances and discussions, highlighting the enriching cultural exchange that Baba Blues embodies.

Alison Stewart [23:43]: "That was Bubbly Blues. My guests have been Yusra Mansour and Brice Betton. Thank you so much for joining us."

Key Takeaways:

• Baba Blues merges traditional Moroccan instruments with psychedelic rock, creating a unique soundscape.
• Their album "Swakin" explores themes of cultural identity, diversity, and the human experience, recorded across multiple continents.
• The band emphasizes unity and the celebration of diverse backgrounds as essential to overcoming cultural conflicts.
• Performances like "Ila Meta" and "Iwai Wafang" illustrate their commitment to blending music with meaningful social messages.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's about human being. It's not about where are you from or what is the color of your skin, but about like we are at the end of the day, all kind of similar." — Yusra Mansour [10:09]
• "Swakin actually means possessions... and it also means getting into a trance, deeper than trance, like opening or getting into another dimension." — Yusra Mansour [16:37]
• "People celebrate funerals like weddings, they dance... it was very touching." — Yusra Mansour [19:00]

This episode of ALL OF IT offers a deep dive into the cultural and musical journey of Baba Blues, showcasing how they navigate and celebrate the rich tapestry of Moroccan and global influences through their art.