Born in Marrakesh, Morocco, Bechar moved to Brooklyn with his wife and children in 1997. He first learned Gnawa traditions as a young boy from his mother?s family; his cousin was ma?alem or master Gnawi and his aunt hosted all-night Gnawa trance ceremonies (lila) twice a year. Bechar has worked as a Gnawi in Marrakesh?s Djemaa el Fna square and other settings, and is well versed in traditional chants and instruments such as qraqeb, tbel and sentir. He is performing in Brooklyn Maqam alongside his son Mohsine, and his brother-in-laws Abdel Rahim Hakmoun and Hassan Hakmoun, the world-renowned Gnawa musician. Since moving to the U.S. 1987, Hassan has become an influential voice in the world music scene, fusing North African musical traditions such as Gnawa with pop, rock, jazz, and other contemporary genres. Hassan Hakmoun's Website