Gaïsha – album release Ana Aïcha // Concertzaal
“een Arabisch-psychedelische kraker met snuifjes funk en Serge Gainsbourg” Cutting Edge
Oriental groove and psychedelic sounds
Gaïsha is the funky collab between the Belgian-Moroccan Aïcha Haskal and (ex) members of Absynthe Minded, Sylvie Kreusch, De Beren Gieren and Va Fan Fahre. Together they bring you oriental & psychedelic grooves with a Brussels twist. Aicha Haskal’s voice is smooth and warm, and switches seamlessly between Arabic chants, parlando and even rap. The diverse background of the musicians results in a brilliant melting pot of styles.
Their debut album has just been released by Zephyrus Records on the 24th of March. It is a hypnotizing trip of oriental groove and psychedelic funk.
‘Ana Aïcha’, released at the end of 2022, was the first teaser of the album and an ode to the singer’s name, which literally translates as ‘liberty’. The song reflects her rebellious voice that rises up against oppression of women and fights for gender equality. The melody translates this protest by creating an atmosphere that runs the gamut from intimate nostalgia to stirring rhythms.
‘Gand la nuit’ was released at the beginning of February 2023. It’s a mysterious French ballad with a groovy twist, telling the story of nocturnal escapades in their beloved city Ghent.
‘Ya Majnoun’ was the third single of the album. ‘Majnoun’ literally translates as ‘the possessed’. We all go through stages in life where we can relate to this character, being possessed by love, the devil, life, passion etc. The melody translates this identification into a very dynamic and rhythmic uptempo song with groovy vibes and instant feel good tunes.
Growing up in a family where playing music was taboo for women, Aïcha was secretly part of the Brussels hip hop scene at the age of sixteen. She even participated in a contest on a Belgian television channel, equipped with a cap and standing with her back to the public. Unfortunately the gig came to her father’s ear and a few years of radio silence followed. At a later age she arrived in the masculin world of classical Arabic music. But Aïcha stood strong and due to her perseverance she is now the leading lady of Gaïsha.
● Aïcha Haskal – vocals
● Michael De Schryver (Va Fan Fahre, Proyecto Secreto) – synth, organ
● Lieven Van Pee (Echoes of Zoo, De Beren Gieren) – bass
● Renaud Ghilbert (Absynthe Minded) – violin
● Eduardo Vega (Va Fan Fahre, Antwerp Gipsy Ska Orchestra) – guitar
● Falk Schrauwen (Compro Oro, Sylvie Kreusch) – percussion
● Nico Leonard (Victor Rice Septet, Moon Invaders) – drums
