Ayrad

Ayrad is the fusion of singer, guitarist and composer Hamza Abouabdelmajid of Moroccan origin, established in Montreal since 2005, Annick Beauvais (oboe, backing vocals), Anit Ghosh (violin, backing vocals), Marton Maderspach (percussion, backing vocals), Sylvain Plante (drums, percussion) and Gabriel Brochu-Lajoie (bass, keyboard). These musicians from different
backgrounds never hesitate to transgress musical boundaries.

Galvanized by Hamza’s exceptional voice and his singing in Arabic, the group of seasoned musicians is able to push their songs to the limit, infusing them with an infectious, almost magical energy.

Ayrad launches in 2022 its new album III. This new chapter in Ayrad‘s story is a logical continuation of their previous album, Zoubida, in which the group dared to take more contemporary musical paths. In the case of this third album, the group does not hesitate to bring a more important electro touch, but also a greater presence of bass and orchestrations of brass and strings. Integrating rock and pop sounds, this long play explores different genres such as electro, Gypsy funk, desert rock, raï, Reggada, chaâbi and even Latin grooves. A truly unique mix that attracts adventurous listeners and also fascinates world music lovers.

Their synergistic power in concert and on record leaves no audience indifferent. Their homonymous album (2014) and Zoubida (2018) have garnered numerous awards (ADISQ, OPUS, Canadian Folk Music Awards) and mentions (JUNOS) and have allowed the group to perform across Canada and abroad (Scotland, Qatar, Morocco, Tunisia, United States).

AWARDS AND MENTIONS

2022 – Canadian Folk Music Awards – Nomination – Global Roots Album of the Year , III                                                      2020 – Canadian Folk Music Awards – Best World Music Group of the year
2020 – OPUS Award: ”Concert of the Year – World Music”
2019 – ADISQ nomination : “World music album of the year”
2019 – JUNO nomination: “World music album of the year”
2018 – Nomination ”Concert of the Year – World Music”, prix Opus, Conseil québécois de la musique
2016 – Calgary Folk Festival – Top Audience Discovery Artist
2015 – Galaxie Rising Star winners at Sunfest
2015 – ADISQ Winner: “Music arranger of the year”
2015 – ADISQ nomination: “World music album of the year”
2015 – Folk Music Awards: “World group of the year”
2015 – JUNO nomination: “World music album of the year”
2015 – GAMIQ nomination: “Roots album”
2015 – Indie Acoustic Project nomination: “Best World Music CD”
2015 – Indigenous Music Awards nomination: “Best International Indigenous release”
2012-2013 – Winner of the Prix de la Diversité
2012 – Finalist Mon accès à la scène

«[…]la joyeuse bande de Hamza Abouabdelmajid déconstruit encore plus les codes de la musique marocaine, se les approprie, en fait une lente décoction pour leur injecter un «punch» qui «kick» dans les détours.» -Sophie Chartier, Le Devoir

HIGHLIGHTS

«Par-dessus tout, Ayrad nous offre une musique qui donne envie de célébrer la diversité. En fait, de célébrer tout court, parce qu’il y a toujours une bonne occasion de faire la fête!» – François Lemay, ICI Musique

Louisiana International Festival (USA), Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (QC), Les Francos de Montréal (QC), Mundial Montreal (QC), Week-ends of the World – Montreal (QC), Fêtons la diversité – Montreal (QC), Guitares du Monde – Rouyn-Noranda (QC), Musée national du Bardo – Tunis (Tunisia), Théâtre Mohammed V – Rabat (Morocco), Edinburgh Mela Festival – Edinburgh (UK), Festival du monde arabe – Montreal (QC), Théâtre national du Qatar – Doha (Qatar), Festival d’été de Québec (QC), Festival Musique du bout du monde – Gaspé (QC), Marquette Festival (USA), Tremblant Music Festival (QC), Harrison Festival of the Arts – Harrison Hot, Springs (BC), Hamilton World Music Festival – Hamilton (ON), Rhythms of the World – Chicoutimi (QC), Festival du Maghreb – Montreal (QC), Festival de la chanson de Tadoussac (QC), Kicking Horse Culture – Golden (BC), Mondial des cultures – Drummondville (QC), Canada Day – Toronto (ON), SunFest – London (ON), Music in the Park – Creston (BC)