Omar

Omar is originally from Essaouira, on the Moroccan Atlantic coast and is a Gnawa musician, craftsman and chef who is now based in Edinburgh. He plays a Guembri, a three-stringed bass like instrument, and works as a soloist as well as on collaborations creating fusions between Gnawa music, Scottish folk and much more.

He is passionate about Moroccan and North African food, and is exploring these spices with the produce that is available in Edinburgh. From music and teaching, cooking to instrument making and dancing to boatbuilding, Omar has a range of talents and is interested in sharing culture and practical skills that have been handed down over generations.

He is combining this in a new business venture that was born out of a residency with Deveron Arts in 2016 where he worked on the project Caravanserai.