Hisham Amazigh

Hisham Amazigh. Photo: by Kian Kamyab

Born in Nador, Morroco, to a family that practices music traditions, Hisham began playing percussion at age 13. His first lessons in music came from his cousin and a close friend, both of whom played drums. Eager to deepen his music practice, he learned in the traditional way, by learning to listen: Hisham began by intently listening to a variety of recordings as well as televised concerts and music programs of many different Arab music traditions. In 2002, Hisham immigrated to New York, and after several months in Manhattan, settled in Brooklyn, where he has lived for over 4 years. Hisham has become an accomplished percussionist, both on the darbuka and drum set. He has performed at numerous clubs and restaurants throughout the city, including Tagine and Le Souk, and frequently plays at parties up and down the East Coast. Although versed in many styles of Arab percussion, Hisham is especially fond of Moroccan and Algerian Rai because it draws on a diverse range of sounds from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.