 |  | ||||
 |  | ||||
 |  |  | |||
 | |||||
 | |||||
 | | |
| | |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
“To listen to Nawal is an invitation to dream, dance, meditate
and soar over the Indian Ocean...”
Nawal originally comes from the Comoros Islands, also known as the “Perfume Islands” or “Islands of the Moon,” located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. Born into a family with many musicians, Nawal bathed in both popular and spiritual music from a young age. Now living in France, today she is recognised as being a key figure from her native islands: the ever rising star of Comoros. A singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Nawal plays guitar, gambusi (traditional lute, inherited from Yemen), and diverse percussion. Nawal states “My main instrument, before anything, is the voice.” Aptly called a "mystic pop diva", Nawal communicates something bigger than music – she has the capacity to touch people’s hearts with her powerful voice and message.
Between traditional and contemporary, Nawal’s compositions are an acoustic roots-based fusion, a reflection of the diverse character of the Comoros and beyond. Indo-Arabian-Persian music meets Bantu polyphonies and rhythms mixed with Sufi trance. Nawal sings mostly in Comorian (Shikomor) a language in the Swahili family, also with French, English and Arabic. Nawal sings in favor of all humans, for education and for union. She also conserves the philosophy of her great grandfather Al Maarouf, a grand Sufi master, who was inspired by the light of Islam founded on love, respect and peace.
A self-produced artist, Nawal has performed professionally for over 20 years, with concerts internationally in Europe, North America, Africa, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East. In 2011 Nawal celebrated the release of “Embrace the Spirit” (Jade/Warner), with a tour in the USA. In 2007 Nawal released her second album “Aman” (Peace of the Soul) which was awarded stunning reviews from the international press. Her first album “Kweli” (Truth) was released in 2001 (Mélodie).
Nawal is currently touring with the release of her new album "Embrace the Spirit". Click here for concert dates and locations.
Nawal, singer/songwriter, lead vocals, gambusi, guitar
Claudine François, piano, vocals
Aurore Voahangy Coriton, vocals, percussion
JB Gbadoe, percussion, vocals
