| About
Okotécho guides the listener into a sonic world brimming with hope, aspiration, and lyricism found in the exceptional interlude between the Middle East, Arboriginal and the West. Under the artistic direction of composer Katia Makdissi-Warren, Okotécho explores mixed music and musical sounds through its own compositions.
Anouar Barrada
Soufi Singer
Presentation
Originally from Meknes, Morocco, Anouar Barrada is recognized as one of the greatest interpreters of Arabo-Andalusian repertoire and sacred Sufi music. His beginnings at the Quranic School allowed him to learn the basics of Tajweed and Arab Maqamat. At the Meknes Conservatory, he studied the classical Andalusian repertoire with renowned masters, including Moulay Mehmed Alhouwar. Anouar has participated in numerous festivals in Tunisia, Spain, the United States, England, and France, notably the Sacred Music Festival in Fes, Morocco, as well as national artistic events with the Albaath group. In 2010, he founded the Burdah Ensemble, whose eponymous album merges Mawwal with Arabic poems inspired by courtly and mystical love. He is also a founding member of the Sun Association of Andalusian Music in Montreal (ASAM), having participated in festivals in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec. As an ambassador of sacred Sufi music, he shares his art on the international stage, honoring the Moroccan cultural heritage and the richness of Andalusian music. He has been collaborating with Oktoecho since 2008.